Tip: Creativity Boosters

When you just can’t seem to find any new inspiration in the world around you, try the following:

1. Look closely at things you take for granted, like a drop of dew or weeds by your porch.
2. Try a microscope if you want even closer details—you’ll never run out of them.
3. Look only at shadows and the light reflected in them.
4. Tint the world with colored glasses—this can help you avoid painting values too similarly.
5. Work at a different time of day.
6. Try a whole new subject.
7. Take a child along, and try to see through his or her eyes.

From Cathy Johnson, Artist Magazine, January 1993