How I Decide What to Paint: Inspiration, Play, and the Joy of Creating
One of the questions I get asked most often—by both art collectors and fellow artists—is: “How do you decide what to paint?”
The honest answer? It’s rarely one thing.
For me, creating art is part intuition, part curiosity, and a whole lot of play.
Yes, play.
I know that might sound surprising if you think of painting as serious work, but I truly believe art should hold onto a sense of wonder. Even after years of painting, I still approach the creative process with curiosity and exploration. Some days I’m experimenting with a new mixed media technique. Other days I’m trying an unexpected color palette or testing a supply I’ve never used before. Sometimes those experiments become finished pieces, and sometimes they simply teach me something new. That spirit of exploration is one of the things I love most about being an artist.
Inspired by Color, Nature, Life Experiences, and Memories
Inspiration has a funny way of showing up when you least expect it. Sometimes it starts with color. I’ll see an unexpected combination of shades—soft blues next to warm corals, earthy greens layered with rich textures—and suddenly I can’t stop thinking about it. Color has a way of setting the emotional tone for a painting before I even know what the final piece will become.
Other times, inspiration comes from nature. The movement of leaves in the wind, layered landscapes, flowers, shifting skies, or the textures found outdoors often find their way into my work in one form or another.
Travel and meaningful experiences also have a way of staying with me long after the moment has passed. A place I visited, a meaningful conversation, a season of life, or simply noticing beauty in everyday moments can quietly influence what ends up on the canvas. Sometimes it’s not just the experience itself, but the memory of how it felt—the nostalgia of a place, the emotion tied to a moment, or a small detail that unexpectedly resurfaces later and inspires a piece. I don’t always sit down with a fully formed plan. Often, I start with a feeling, a memory, or a spark of inspiration and let the artwork evolve from there.
Sometimes I Paint What Feels Familiar
And then there are the times when I simply want to paint something that feels familiar. I think artists need that too. Sometimes I return to subjects, colors, or ideas that feel comfortable—not because I’m repeating myself, but because I genuinely enjoy the process. There’s something freeing about painting what you love and allowing yourself to explore it in a new way.
Whether it’s colorful abstract art, layered textures, expressive storytelling, or experimenting with woven elements and mixed media, I want the process to feel joyful.Because if I’m having fun creating it, I believe that energy somehow becomes part of the artwork itself.
Why This Matters to Art Collectors
For those who collect original art, I think knowing the story behind a piece adds another layer of meaning. Every painting carries pieces of inspiration behind it—moments of curiosity, memories, experimentation, and emotion woven together. Even abstract artwork tells a story, though sometimes it’s left open enough for the collector to bring their own meaning to it.
I love knowing that a piece created in my studio eventually becomes part of someone else’s story in their home.
To Fellow Artists: Permission to Play
And for my fellow artists reading this, consider this your reminder that not every painting has to begin with a perfect plan. Sometimes the best ideas come from trying something new, following curiosity, or simply allowing yourself to enjoy the process again. Art doesn’t always have to be serious or have some deep subconscious theme.
Sometimes it’s experimenting. Sometimes it’s exploring. Sometimes it’s revisiting something familiar just because it makes you happy. Sometimes, art is simply play. And honestly? That’s often where the magic happens.
Curious to see what inspiration has been leading me lately? Browse my latest original artwork or explore my online art classes to create alongside me. Visit my website at www.stacyspanglerart.com.
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