Lost That Imaginative Spark?
"Everyone starts off as an artist. The trick is remaining that way." - Pablo Picasso
Think Back to Your Childhood
Do you remember playing pretend as a child? The entire world was an adventure. Any backyard could become a magical realm, with each dewy blade of grass a possible home for a fairy; each towering oak tree a hideout for elves and dwarves; every last gust of wind the breath of a dragon.
Our younger selves embraced the imaginative, without self-censoring and bringing ourselves "back to earth.” Somewhere in the process of growing older, we trade in this spirit of creative curiosity for strict practicality, and all too often, the infinite colors and dimensions seen by young eyes dim and fade.
You may spend time with children now and marvel at their imaginative minds. The thing is, your adult mind still has that capability—you just need to reawaken it.
Artists Need Childlike Imagination
An artist's journey is equal parts studying technique and reawakening this childlike wonder and imagination. We have to tear down a wall made of “bricks” of self-judgment, self-censorship, and practicality that prevent us from coloring outside of the lines and seeing the world in a different light. We are born with creativity and imagination. We are taught how to restrain these things. And as artists, we must work to release them again.
Using Imagination as an Art Supply
Imagination is a beautiful thing, and I try to exercise mine every day! Though I often paint subjects that are inspired by nature, animals, locations, and items in my life, I use my imagination to capture the essence and feeling of these items in a dynamic and vibrant way that may not be entirely realistic or "accurate" in the standard sense of the words.
When I paint, I give my imagination the opportunity to run free. I’ll ask myself questions like “How can I make this look the way it feels?" I give myself permission to see and depict the world around me in nonstandard colors that evoke a feeling rather than represent visual reality. Does a child who’s coloring question every crayon they pick up, wondering if that's the most realistic shade? Most often, no! The child picks the color that gets the mind and heart going, whirring with creativity and the feeling the drawing ignites.
A Simple Exercise for Your Imagination
Here’s an exercise you can do just about anywhere to give your imagination a workout. Take any kind of mark making tool (a crayon, pen, pencil, paintbrush, etc.) and make some wild squiggles on a sheet of paper. Then take a close look at your squiggle for at least three minutes.
Do you see abstract forms in there that remind you of anything? What about the empty spaces between your marks: are there any interesting shapes that you created in the white space? Take your fingers and “crop” some areas. How does this change what you see and feel?
Do this exercise regularly and you will find that you are more and more in touch with your imagination.
Your Imaginative Inner Child is in There
We spend too much time stifling our own imaginations. Today, I ask you to let yours soar. If you haven't picked up a paintbrush in a long time (even if it's been since childhood), I implore you to grab one today and just let your creativity flow. Don't worry if what you're painting is "right" or "good." Give yourself the opportunity to see the world through a child's eyes, and return to that magic.
Remember: you were born with imagination and creativity, and as Picasso says, you started off as an artist. Today, I want you to begin the journey of reawakening that child inside you. Your art will reflect it, and who knows—you may enjoy seeing your backyard return to that magical realm, after all!
I’d love to hear any of your suggestions for how you get back in touch with your imaginative inner child. Drop me a comment so we all can benefit!
A Creative’s Exploration Guide
This free, step-by-step guide will help you progress in your creative journey.
Grow as an artist by building a solid foundation in your painting practice. Develop your confidence. Then, if you choose, charter a thriving creative business to call your very own.