Gaining and maintaining inspiration!

Inspiration is something that is imperative for any artist, but sadly, something that fades rapidly if not worked on! Inspiration can be found everywhere, in the works of other artists, in the constructive comments given, etc. I have found, over the years that I have been involved in this wonderful career, that inspiration is the key to producing any form of art, and it starts with you! Be actively engaged in seeking your inspiration, by firstly opening your mind to the possibility of being able to create anything you want to, regardless of your level of expertise! I tell my students that when faced with a blank canvas, having decided what it is you want to create, be inspired by the fact that you are about to create it...you!...and from that very fist application of brush on canvas, you are in control, and regardless of what is created, it is you that have created it! Inspiration is a wonderful thing....if you let it, it will guide you to do things that will surprise and encourage you. Inspiration should be encouraged by your tutor ( if a student), and he/she should lift you to a higher level of achievment, using inspiration as a main factor in order to instil the fact that through it, greater things will occur! How to maintain inspiration? Each time you set up your easel, prepare your brushes, select your palette, think to yourself..I'm about to create! Remember, the physical part of painting is easy...merely tranferring paint to the canvas via a brush! The creative part comes from you...from that inspiration that stood or sat you in front of the easel in the first place! Each time you make a stroke with the brush that is pleasing to you..congratulate yourself!....you did it! Forget about the fact that others with more expierience may have done it better.....they are not you! You are the creator, so to speak, and you will improve!