How many times do you read The Artist Magazine , The Leisure Painter or your supply of art books and feel inspired to try some of the ideas such as painting birch trees, trying out oil bars or following an exercise in watercolour landscapes? Nita Leyland in her book "The Creative Artist" gives great advice - she suggests noting down these little nuggets of information as you come across them. Then store them somewhere such as a little box. I'Then, later, when you're stuck for ideas, dip into your treasure trove and see what comes out. I've done this recently and have noted down ideas such as: experiment with black ink washes and salt (see page 76 in Sumi Painting book). I've amassed dozens of intentions. Will let you know when I get around to trying them. It will take decades!