14 Comments
User's avatar
Robert J Simone's avatar

Sometimes, the most extraordinary beauty is found in ordinary places. And often it's simple things transformed by light that attract my artists eye.

Okay, that's two sentences. But I couldn't help myself!

Fides Linien's avatar

There is something powerful about the word ‘call’. It suggests that creativity is not only a decision we make, but also a relationship we enter into - one that asks us to listen, respond and continue …

Clintavo's avatar

Yes, very true. Thank you.

Poppy Balser's avatar

This is always a hard question. I paint because my urge to paint (or call as Clint names it here) is so strong I get twitchy and grumpy if I don’t paint for a couple of days. What gives me that urge/call? At present the closest answer I have come up with is:

I paint so I can spend more time appreciating the subjects that stop me in my tracks when I see them, such as the gleam of sails reflecting off the ocean, sunlight curving on a flower’s petal, spray washing over rocks, the list is endless.

Marian Fortunati's avatar

Good one, Poppy!!

Sherry Mason Art's avatar

Childhood boredom became the catalyst for a lifelong fascination with finding beauty in the ordinary. Through oil paint, I seek to transform everyday scenes into moments of harmony, wonder, and quiet reflection.

I enjoyed and appreciated your free guide. Thank you for sharing!

Debra Keirce's avatar

Love it! I think these questions bear repeating throughout our careers!

Didem Kokturk's avatar

The PDF was super helpful Clint! Thank you!

Jack Providenti Fine Art's avatar

I have always wanted to communicate how remarkable the world around me appears—stunning, beautiful, ugly, scary, peaceful, interesting, or magical—or how it can be made to appear. So I started teaching myself art when I was 8 years old. I'm still at it, age 78.

Catherine Green's avatar

I will share this with my women's artist group in September!

Angela Agosto's avatar

Hi Catherine, thank you for sharing this with other artists!

Sharon Ann's avatar

Great question to ponder 🤔

Marian Fortunati's avatar

There are so many reasons why I paint. Words that come to mind are:

To rejoice

To appreciate

To challenge my ability

To exercise my mind

To explore

To share

To live

PS. Thanks for sharing my “A Walk In The Park”

Joseph Favino's avatar

My sentence:

"The shapes of landforms can be cartoonish or contemplative, and I present them in a more human way than aerial photography or satellite imagery."