How does the creative process work?

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.