Steal like an artist! I recently came across this book by Austin Kleon.
His basic premise is that there are no original ideas, that all ideas are the metamorphism of the ones before them, and thus original because of the unique combination each person puts on them. He says, “Steal Like an Artist!” It’s ok! we all inspire each other!
Exactly, isn’t this what we bloggers do, create and inspire~
I did this painting for my SIL. It is NOT my style, but she she fell in love with the original we saw at an art show. I copied the original style and subject matter but took some liberties with subject color and placement. In the far right corner I wrote “after Joan Curtis” by my signature, indicating that this was not my original work. It’s okay to borrow, just give credit where credit belongs~
This painting is by Carol Lee Clark. She uses lots of color and repeating patterns, in a fearless and free way. She was my inspiration for the Mermaid below:
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! One of the first painting classes I was required to take in college was to copy the Masters. I painted Matisse, Picasso, Degas, Dali. Unfortunately [or maybe fortunately!] I have no photos of these attempts, but trust me, they looked nothing like the original, as hard as I tried. I couldn’t get the composition, colors, shapes exactly as the Master had done. It is our nature to individualize what we do, our way surely is a little better…how often to you follow a recipe EXACTLY? So, go ahead, don’t feel guilty when you are inspired by someone else’s creation, you are not stealing, you are creating!
As you can see mine looks nothing like the inspiration frame!
This frame I bought recently and just painted the words and dots on it~it certainly looks like another artist was inspired by Consuela too, and created a whole line of inexpensive knock-offs! I purchased this frame for $12. Consuela’s range from $195-$250!!
This chair cover from Carol over at Oasis in the Desert was the inspiration for my studio chair
I felt like mine was similar enough to hers that I should mention her and her great idea~
Right now I’m working on some projects for an upcoming Mexican Party that I can’t wait to share with you! I am getting my inspirations from party blogs, decorations, paintings, menus, magazines and other bloggers. I am keeping a Pinterest board of all the things that I see that I like. This is such a great way to organize your thoughts and have them and their sources at your fingertips.
So be inspired! Steal like and artist! It’s OK! When you see something that appeals to you, use it as a jumping off point and make it your own!
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I’ll be joining