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.