Inspiration is all around us.  l admired these tulips while having a cup of coffee, when inspiration struck me to paint them.
Wherever you are, notice your surroundings, what stands out? If anything around you drives emotions within you, then chances are it will do the same for others and it’s probably a good source of inspiration.  It’s important to take moments throughout the day to reflect on your goals.  You should be relaxed and release all your troubles, this will give you time to think about what it is you want to start working on.

My inspiration comes to me best when l am giving myself time to relax, breath and think. I try not to put pressure on getting inspired.  I usually have a notebook or sketchbook with me at all times. Capturing your inspiration and jotting it down on paper or a sketchbook, gives you the opportunity to branch out from your thoughts. I find its best to not over think things right away. Hold onto your idea, jot it down and then make it complex at a later stage if needed. Most of my inspirational concepts are found in my own memories, these are the best ideas because they are found in my mind. I don’t have to go anywhere to find it.

Listen to music, enrich yourself. All ideas start like a tiny seed in a person’s mind, watch videos, read books, and try new things.  If you have an idea that you find interesting or emotional then close your eyes and image yourself observing this idea from the outside. See the idea as a whole and pay special attention on how it makes you feel.

I try to set myself attainable goals, and you should too. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Personally l find it important to finish a painting, l feel accomplished and l have something to show for my efforts. Utilizing my creativity and embracing my source of inspiration, finding a place for it in my work or using it as an extension for other works, is so satisfying.  
Try not to become overwhelmed. This is probably my biggest issue. I try to stay as focused and organized with my ideas.  Most importantly be honest with yourself and the best source of inspiration should be you. Your work will lack value if you are not staying true to yourself.  Find what makes you happy and just feed off it.
 
Have a Beautiful day.
Alice Melo

At one time my studio was really disorganized and jammed full of my art supplies, l just felt agitated at times because l couldn’t find what l needed.
It was time for me to put on my thinking cap and figure out a way to give myself more space and organize my ever growing art supplies. I needed storage for my paints, canvases, and other supplies. I knew just the person for the task to help me. I am truly lucky to have such a handy and creative hubby.  I gave him some design ideas of what l wanted and he surpassed my suggestions and expectations.

My hubby designed, built and painted my canvas and storage shelves, MDF board, was the most economical material to use,  and TADA! We had some MDF board left over so with precise measuring and binder clips,  he built me storage for my oil paints and l can now access them easily, plus utilize my wall space. It is such a fabulous room now and  l can  easily see what l need to replace when l run out of  supplies. He built me an entire space that l can call my Happy Place.

If you haven’t noticed by now l have a small addiction to paint brushes LOL. I have them everywhere in my studio. Keep in mind that l have been painting for 20 years and l take care of my paint brushes, so it doesn’t take long to accumulate a collection.  I use a folding screen behind my easel to protect my walls when l airbrush or paint. I use an inexpensive area rug under my easel and painting area, this way from time to time l can replace it with a new area rug and freshen up my work space.

Lighting is also a really important element in my creative space.  My wonderful family surprised me with a floor style OttLite, and it makes all the difference. My eyes are not strained and it is outstanding when l am detailing.