What Inspires an Artist to Paint

Today, it’s relatively easy to buy handmade paintings online without thinking about what inspired them. For many people, it’s the reaction to the piece that matters – not its origins. But for the curious or the aspiring artist, it’s worth considering the question of motivation. What brings a painter’s brush to the canvas, and how does an initial thought become a finished piece? Here are a few sources of inspiration that spark creativity in many artists:

• A Significant Subject – From a loved one to a childhood home, some of the most common features in paintings from every era are individual subjects. They might hold personal significance to the artist, be relevant to a theme, or simply offer something visually striking to paint.
• A Motivated Message – Many artists start with an idea they want to convey, rather than a thing that they intend to portray. These ideas can be personal, political, or universal, but they usually center on firmly held beliefs or motivating questions that drive the painter to explore them through art.
• An Evocative Emotion – In less concrete paintings, color and texture often convey pure, powerful feelings. This can be therapeutic for the artist, or merely a way of translating an emotional experience into a visual one that can be shared with others.

How Supporting Artists Supports the Economy

When you buy handmade art, it’s more than a personal aesthetic benefit. More than many other purchases, it gives you an opportunity to make an impact on the economy by supporting the professionals who create these unique pieces. Where you spend your money matters. It’s worth choosing a genuine work of art over mass-produced décor. Here are a few ways that shopping for handmade pieces supports a flourishing economy:

• Artists Get Involved in the Community – For many people who create art, their neighborhoods and local culture are sources of inspiration. They tend to give back through charities, events, and other endeavors. When you buy from these individuals, there’s much greater accountability for what your money supports.
• You Help an Entire Industry – Though many people buy directly from individual artists, that isn’t the only option. Resellers, consignment services, and collectives all rely on interest in handmade art to maintain their area of the economy. No matter how you buy, your investment also supports numerous businesses, from craft stores to paint manufacturers.
• Individuals Drive Growth – While large businesses are often the first players in people’s minds when it comes to economic growth, they rely on individuals having the wealth to participate in the larger system. This is especially important for artists, who rely on interest from their customers and clients to maintain a consistent income.

Art in America - Trademark Styles of American Artists

The names read like a list of the finest in artistic style the United States has ever produced. If Hopper, Warhol, Rockwell, O’Keefe, and Wyeth resonate in your mind, it’s because they have styles that are at once distinctive and familiar. The beauty and style of their works are accessible and enjoyable on a superficial level when you are in the mood for a quick hit of art, but they also stand as tools that allow you to reach a higher plane of appreciation when the mood strikes.

These artists created works in their times that became iconic imagery in our culture, and these images still carry weight today. There is realism in some works and whimsy in others. They combine a look into a better time and our country and present the results to us in memorable ways.

Think of Hopper’s most famous work, Nighthawks, from 1942. It is classic Americana frozen forever. The soft light of the late-night diner gives us a glimpse into the lonely lives of four people. This work lives on and is cherished and discussed even now.

Art in America is still influential today, and you can find one-of-a-kind artwork if you take the time to look carefully. At Art and Objects International, we find that the art world is vibrant, with examples being created daily by talented artists working in all media. Who knows? Maybe you will discover your own personal version of a masterpiece.

How Art Can Improve Your Life

Art touches us all on many different levels and in many different ways. It exists in limitless forms, with new examples being added all the time. It’s such a broad category that no one definition can indeed encompass it all. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is art.

At Art and Objects International, we know that art is an emotional purchase that provides a balm to the spirit. In short, it makes people feel good. We encourage anyone who likes creativity, beauty, style, expression, and introspection to buy handmade art and welcome it into their homes.

When a painting or sculpture or print has a visceral impact on you, it means many things. Mainly it means that the art is speaking to you, and by making it your own, you can savor that wonderful feeling again and again.

Art in the home is not only a way to connect with your feelings and the message being represented by the artist; it’s simply stunning and adds a great deal to any décor. You can find types of artistic creations that blend into the existing style of your home or ones that can quickly become a focal point for a new design theme. The options are truly endless.

The Importance of Supporting Independent Artists

The modern world seems to be run by large corporations who spend all of their time doing focus testing instead of supporting creative artists. While it is true that great art will occasionally come out of these situations, most of the output seems to be soulless creations that are destined to end up in a landfill in less than a decade.

If you have a taste for art that is outside of the mainstream, it is vital to seek out original creations made by artists who are passionate about their work. Independent artists and craftspeople put their heart and soul into each piece they create, and it shows. When you purchase a piece of art from an original creator, you are helping them thrive. Each dollar that you put into their hand goes towards the purchase of another paintbrush, more beads for their jewelry, or a canvas for their next masterpiece.

Take some time out of your day to buy handmade art online from Art and Objects International. Our business offers a vast array of pieces, including décor and paintings that you will not find anywhere else. Additionally, we provide original artists the chance to sell their creations online. If you are interested in learning more about selling your art, you can contact us today.