This video delves into the process of creating compelling acrylic paintings, focusing on overcoming
the common hurdle of finding inspiring motifs. While the goal for most artists is to produce high
quality and unique art, the pressure to create entirely new and original paintings can sometimes be a
significant obstacle.
I share my own journey in overcoming this challenge, revealing that all motifs are valid, even those
previously explored by other artists. Copying other’s work, in particular, can be a valuable learning
tool. Copying is allowing you to develop new skills and to become a better painter and in this way to
focus on personal growth and create progressively better paintings.
A key realization is that the artist, and not the motif, is the true focal point of a painting. It’s the
artist’s unique style and story that bring a piece to life. This perspective liberates you to choose
almost any subject and allows hard work and your individual working process to shape the final
artwork. While copying can be beneficial for learning, the ultimate objective is to develop your
own distinct painting style.
My advice is to acknowledge your own natural preference towards certain subjects, not because
they are superior, but because they resonate with you ... they work for you. Embrace the familiar,
the obvious, the easy choice sometimes, but also challenge yourself to explore new territories to
promote your development as an artist.
In my workflow I actively seek inspiration, and I am engaging with various stimuli: taking a walk, reading
books, listening to music, cooking and I allow these experiences to inspire my choice of motif.
Remember, all motifs are valid.
In this video I provide a step-by-step tutorial on painting a forest using acrylics. I often return to
the forest as a motif, as it allows me to continually explore new artistic possibilities.
Timecodes
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - All the good motifs are taken
01:00 - Don’t be afraid to copy
02:10 - You are the Superstar of your painting
02:50 - Some motifs work better than other
03:20 - Struggling is the best way to get better
04:05 - Same motif again and again
04:50 - This video is about painting a forest
05:40 - The idea of spring
06:25 - The motif appears in a flash
06:40 - Composition and painting process
07:30 - Start sketching
07:50 - Music as inspiration for a painting
08:30 - Some kind of order is needed
09:15 - Creating an illusion of forest
09:20 - Presenting the colours for this painting
10:15 - Starting. STEP BY STEP to paint the painting
12:30 - Painting the details matter
13:50 - Close to finish
14:50 - Trying out a new blue colour
15:40 - Time-lapse of TASTE OF SPRING in 12 stills
16:05 - The finished painting
The painting featured is titled “Taste of Spring” and I guide you through each stage, explaining the
decisions made throughout the artistic journey from initial sketch to the finished piece.
Please let me know in the comments what inspires you to find motifs for your painting.
Watch more of my videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbJAgvgIfA_fPGHlpwq2dQRqOZ8PR-9_u
Watch more paintings:
https://skora.dk