As we move through our creative journey sometimes ‘impatience’ gets in the way….We have a desire to create perfect paintings (no such thing) This can get in the way of our understanding how the creative process works and consequently our growth as artists.
In this post, through visuals, I show how our minds are working during this process. From the moment a seed of inspiration is sewn – through the incubation period – all the way to the Ah Ha moment. Every part of the process is vital….remember everything is interconnected.
Initially the seed of an idea is sewn. A lovely and often exciting moment.
The seed then enters into an incubation period which can be short lived, or take years to come to fruition. It can also live alongside other seeds….. This is why sketch books should be with us at all times – to jot down ideas and thoughts as they emerge.
The seed of an idea As we go about our daily lives, just like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle being revealed, the seed sprouts ideas that give us more and more information…..
It’s vital to record these ideas, because even when we think we couldn’t possibly forget a moment of inspiration……we can, and do…..
Like a ghostly apparition sometimes the answer seems almost within reach – but then it disappears and returns to incubation….it was just a glimpse of what might be.
Ultimately we hope to experience the ‘Ah Ha’ moment. That exquisite time when the completed jigsaw puzzle is revealed in our mind’s eye……At this point, we can see and feel the rhythms and flow of the concept. More details are revealed as we commence work.
The more we exercise and practise our creative thinking, regardless of what discipline we are involved in, the easier and more fluent this process will become. PLAYING is a key element in revealing vital clues. Working on more than one piece at a time can prevent us from getting stuck!
large commissioned oil on board mural…which began with a seed of an idea….Along with the finished piece I painted numerous watercolours to help me work my way thought the process.

The more we understand and experience this exciting process – we are freed up to be more adventurous and creative.
By the way this process works for all other creative endeavours. One of my students who is knitting the most beautiful things for her new Grandchild…apologised for not doing enough painting…. I immediately said – one discipline with feed the other….Everything is interconnected.
Wonderful paintings and lessons! Thank you Janet.
Thank you Brad, for taking the time to read my post. Always appreciated. Have a lovely day filled with beauty. Janet 🙂
Thank you Janet. You inspire me with your joyful paintings and wise life lessons. Hummingbird Hugs!
Agreed, wonderful lesson. I have been reading a series of books about this subject, being playful, exploring ideas that often take time to come together. Beautiful painting by the way 😉 Cheers!
Good morning Margaret, I hope that your creative juices are flowing. I will be checking out your site next. I recall you saying that you would be focusing on your painting for the month of January….Enjoy. Janet 🙂
Reblogging this to my sister site Success Inspirers World ☺
Thank you very much for the re blog – I really appreciate. Janet 🙂
Thank you, Janet, for the continued inspiration. ❤ Although I'm not applying it to painting, it definitely factors into my music. 🙂 I hope you are well and painting magical hummingbirds all over the place!
Thank you Timi…. I am painting up a storm…along with hummingbirds, lots of portraits and landscape. Off to France on Feb 25th where I plan to do a lot of that. Keep making beautiful music and the world will be a better place for it. Janet :)x
Thank you Janet. ❤ Have a wonderful time in France!
Thank you Timi. I always love being in France.
So good to read this beautiful description of the process. And the amazing thing about this process. is that when we spread our wings and rise a bit, we are able to see our own lives too in a much better perspective and be happy. Your pictures thrill me, Janet.
Good morning Shimon, Thank you for this comment. and yes I plan to spread my wings more this year. I notice that every new experience brings with it insight into my own reactions, and the world in general. Exciting stuff. I hope that you and dear Nechama enjoy a lovely day filled with creativity. 🙂 x
Oooh! Pardon my gushing, but I love this post Janet. I always enjoy your progress or step-by-step posts, but you outdid yourself with this one. We seem to be in sync about the seed of an idea and building it. “Playing is a key element in revealing vital clues” is also so very true. When I give myself permission to play (remove the limits from my imagination, as I call it), that’s when it gets flowing. Thank you for this wonderful uplifting post. Hummingbird hugs!
Good morning Teagan. l am the same, when I give myself permission to play, that’s when magic can happen. So pleased you enjoyed this post. Janet – Hummingbird Hugs. 🙂
Marvelous post, and as always, your paintings just grab the eye and don’t let go! This blog is truly a visual oasis – sometimes I just stop by to soak in the art!
HI Jan, Thank you so much for this lovely comment. You have made my day. Janet 🙂
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
Reblogged this on davidjrogersftw and commented:
Beautiful paintings accompany this thougtful post on the creative process by the talented artist and blogger Janet Weight Reed.
Thank you very much David, for comment and the re blog….lI really appreciate. Enjoy the day Janet 🙂
So lovely to see this post.Thanks for sharing more of your self. We will make the most of our time here thinking this way.xxx
Thank you dear Katherine. Yes, it is important to do just that….every day is a gem…Hoping all is well with you – I can see that your creative juices are flowing 🙂 xxx
Looking forward to the flowers opening xxx
Me to….flowers opening, warm temps, and the lovely smells of spring. it will come 🙂 xx
Witnessing your creative process is so very inspiring! What a fabulous post, loved it.xxx
Thank you Dina…always appreciate your comments, because you are one of the more creative humans I know 🙂 xxx
Btw….meant to say happy belated birthday, hope you had a good one.xxx
Thank you Dina….it was a wonderful birthday 🙂 and I hope yours was equally as good xxx
Love it
Thank you very much – Janet
So beautifully integrated are the words of process and works.
Thank you very much – I hope you enjoy a lovely day – Janet 🙂
Wow that really is the process in your words!
Thank you 🙂