Head in the Clouds

I have reached a point in my artwork where ideas are coming at me constantly. The more I paint, the more I dream of new painting projects. It is rather difficult at times. I am inspired by something, anything, and my brain whizzes off, thinking about a feeling I could somehow create, which colours to use, the size and shape of the canvas. Then, all of a sudden my thoughts take a quick turn and I am thinking about a totally different idea. Kind of like a kaleidoscope in my brain.

Sometimes I think about an project in so much detail that I work it completely through in my head and then feel no need to paint it. Or, when I do start to paint it, I have lost the excitement for the project. One of my instructors told me this was dangerous, completing projects in my head, for it is a short step from there to not bothering to physically create at all.

I try now to jot down ideas as soon as they hit me. That way, I am assured that the idea will not be lost, yet I haven't worked it all though to the end. I keep a running list of ideas, like a 'to do' list, and cross them off as I complete good ideas or omit weak projects.

I hate getting so logical about it all; it is supposed to be soulful and not so contained, but this works for me. Simply sitting down when I feel like it and letting it all flow willy-nilly results in scattered quality and sparse quantity. 

What works best for you?

Mount Elizabeth Fog, watercolour on paper, 11" x 14"

Mount Elizabeth Fog, watercolour on paper, 11" x 14"