We all know Edvard Munch for his most famous painting “The Scream”, actually it was this painting that first got me intrigued in his work and style in the first place. So yes I am a fan of it.

It was his brush strokes and loose style that kept me interested though. There are many artists around this same time period that I love because of their brush strokes. The emotions and feelings that come through his paintings amaze me.

Though his later work after his meltdown became much more colorful, and less depressing. His early work not always the happiest is filled with real emotions and the struggles he was dealing with.

Just wanted to share with you one of the many artists that influence my style, and inspire me. Don’t worry not all the artists that inspire me are dead. Next week, a very much alive, and doing well artist that inspires me!

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I know butterflies aren’t an artist, but I am putting a little spin on my inspired by Monday. I love butterflies, and how their wings look like paint that was just splashed on and magically created such a perfect blend of colors and designs.

Another reason I am drawn to butterflies is their transformation, how they represent change. A furry little caterpillar hides away for awhile and comes out this beautiful butterfly. I can relate to that a lot I feel as if i have been undergoing many changes lately. Like I am in my cocoon right now just waiting and growing until I am ready to appear as that beautiful butterfly. When I get my wings and soar!

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I am really digging this polish illustrators work, the line work is amazing. Also her use of color has me in awe. I am constantly visiting her site for inspiration and to stare at all the lovely eye candy. A feast for the eyes. Go check her website here: Agata Endo Nowicka

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A little back story:
Before I even knew I liked to paint I had been fascinated by Claude Monet and his artwork. Being a native Chicagoan and visiting the Art Institute of Chicago on numerous occasions when I was young gave me access to seeing a lot of his work up close and in person. It was always the brushstrokes that amazed me, and how every time I saw a piece it was like viewing it for the first time. I think it was here that the seed was planted and my fascination with painting sat patiently waiting.

So when I was required to take an Art History class in college and it came time to write a research paper on an artist, the obvious choice for me was Claude Monet. I learned so much about him as an artist, as well as his technique, and just so much more.

It was still another few years until I started painting, but the very first technique I tried was impressionism. Though I have found my own style and my own way in painting, it is Monet I go back to when I need some inspiration, some encouragement that I am on the right path as an artist. Because just standing in front of his haystacks series makes me feel like that little girl again who for the first time is seeing a painting up close and in person. It centers me, and though being inspired by what is going on right now is important, I think if we take a look back to what has led us up to this point in art that we will all find new morsels of inspiration.

Here is one of my first attempts with impressionism…

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image from Art of Nonconformity

I found Chris Guillebeau’s awesome website The Art of Nonconformity after finding a link over at Jess Gonacha’s site to one of his free manifestos – 279 Days to Overnight Success. There is such a wealth of knowledge on his site, and some really cool travel tips. I may have just become a reader, but since last Monday I am now someone who visits the site daily. Go check it out…

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