Are you thinking to start painting? Or are you a seasoned artist, going through a painter’s block? These tips can help plan and create your new artwork. Painting can be a great way to express yourself, everything from your deep thoughts to complex emotions. If painting is your mode of expression, then anything can trigger that desire to paint.

However, feeling inspired or wanting to paint does not always guarantee that your idea will be executed well. Many people have great ideas yet never get around to painting, due to procrastination. Whatever the reason may be, to tackle any block you are facing, you must plan your work before starting.

• What Should You Draw or Paint When You Are Running Out of Ideas?

Even though the creation of a new painting is a journey, the initial planning can increase the chances of it being a success. Here are a few tips for planning to start your new painting.

Get Inspired

Are you thinking of painting something new, yet you have no clue of what you want to paint? People often face varying levels of creative block, sometimes it might be right at the beginning. This means you fail even before you can start! Here are a few ways to get inspired:

Nature & Sights

Inspiration can come from anywhere, from within or outside. Some people find inspiration in nature, and if you are one of them, consider taking a walk in the park or visiting a natural reserve. Going to different places and sightseeing can help to find your subject to paint. Natural phenomena like sunrise, sunset, thunderstorms, rainbow, clouds, sky full of stars, etc.

Can incite your artistic thought. For some people visiting new places, particularly new architectural structures or certain landmarks help inspire them to paint. Watching the skyline or a view from a distance can also ignite the passion for painting.

Galleries, Art & Other Media

Did you know that some artists get inspired by music? Sometimes sound and lyrics can kick-start the brain and provide visuals for a painting. This is because any media that evoke thoughts and emotions can give you the desire to express yourself through painting.

Looking at art for motivation is the most common way to get inspired. Sometimes a style of painting or a particular technique can make you want to try it out yourself. You can follow a proper painting guide to find inspiration because they help you try new ways or tools of painting.

Another great way of finding creative fire is visiting art galleries. Art galleries have an array of art by various artists and watching them can inspire you. If you have some favorite artists from past or present looking at their artwork can also stimulate your creativity.

Handle the Specifics

Once you decide on a subject, try on its specific topic. Knowing exactly what you want to do with your creativity can help ensure its success. Here are a few specifics you might want to determine before you start to paint:

• Deciding on a focal point. Ask yourself what will be the main focus of your painting. From a viewer’s perspective, it will be the first and the most crucial point of the art. However, don’t forget to add some other details, to keep things interesting.
• What kind of feelings are you planning to express? Is it joyful or sad, enraged or melancholic? Whatever emotion you want to express will set the mood for your painting, including your techniques and color choices, so knowing what the subject makes you feel is vital.
• What will you paint on? Will you use paper or a canvas? Your style and colors will decide the type of canvas you might use.
• What kind of colors do you plan on using? From choosing a type of paint to the color scheme, decide on your colors. Even though artists might decide to move away from their chosen palette, but deciding on the basics can help you move forward.
• What will be the elements of your composition? What shapes or kinds of lines will you use? How will you use the light, and the shadows? Deciding on these details can help you stay on track and keep your work organized.
• Remember that organized work is more likely to become a success.

Prepare the Supplies

Whether you are creating digital artwork or painting something in physical existence, you will need to make sure you have all the supplies. If you don’t have any tools your painting might get delayed. For your regular painting, you need brushes, pencils, colors, a painting palette, etc. If you do digital arts, you might have to download brushes and tools to help you make the kind of artwork you desire. Always prepare your supplies before you start because it can be frustrating to stop when you are in a flow.

Where Do You Want to Paint?

Do you have a particular place where you want to paint? Some people have a designated art station at their houses. If you don’t have a resigned spot, find a space in your house that is either well lit or gets a lot of natural light.

It is crucial to find a place where you can stand or sit comfortably. If you are comfortable, it will reduce physical exertion and help you to express your creativity.

Some people prefer painting outdoors, especially when the weather is good. If you have a yard, you can try painting there as you will get plenty of natural light. If you don’t have a place like that, try going to the nearest park. Being close to nature might help you create better artwork.

Get to Work

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to create an art piece successfully is by initiating it. So many great ideas are lost because we don’t start working on the art.

The famous musician Tablo once said that “if you think you’ve got a great idea, yet you are undecided whether you can share that idea through the many options like words, visual art, sound, dance, a programming language, etc., you don’t have a great idea”.

Any form of art needs to be expressed. If you have a concept, work on it. Start doing it even if you feel unprepared. Take the first step and stick to it until you finish. Whatever you end up with may not be the best version of that idea, but it will still be that idea realized.

Final Thoughts

Planning your artwork is the first step of making it happen. These tips can help you prepare your next creation, so start planning and begin the journey of your next painting.