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I hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season! And maybe you are also starting to think of planning your next art project.

I have something to confess—I was not always a planner.
I used to believe— an artist should follow her passion and, when an inspiration came, just put it on the canvas. 

Surely this approach will suit many artists. But not me! As a result, many paintings from years ago still lay around in my studio, waiting to be repainted. 

“Fail to plan, plan to fail” is a time-tested pearl of wisdom. Click here to read my five tips for setting your creative goals 

So I want to share a simple three-step guide with you to plan your next painting. I hope you will avoid making the same mistakes I use to make.

Step One:

Capture your inspiration

All great art starts with an idea.  

How to find the idea?  

One way is to pay attention to your thoughts. A thought could come when you read a book, a magazine, viewing other artists’ works or taking a stroll in nature. You can even find your inspiration in your dreams. 

Write down your idea in your notes or your sketch pad.  And let it marinate in your mind.

When the 2020 pandemic came, I was inspired to paint women’s figures underwater. I let that idea sit in my mind for a couple of weeks until the visions became crystal clear. I knew in my heart what feelings I wanted to convey to the viewers. Then I started planning.  See my painting:  https://yingmclane.com/product/edge-of-the-light-figerative-realistic-oil-painting/

Not all of your ideas will translate into a viable painting. In fact, you will find the majority of them will lose their initial luster over time.  And it’s totally ok. It’s a normal process of creating something worthwhile.  

Another way is knowing what you want to paint first and finding images to fit your ideas.  

When I started to paint the Fort Myers Beach series, I searched for many reference photos. And I finally decided on five of them.  See my post:

Ask yourself:  how do you know you have a viable painting idea?  

When you feel you can see the final product in your mind and can tell a story about it, or you can describe the feelings or mood you want to convey to the viewers, then you have a viable idea. 

I’d love to hear about your next painting project, please share with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yingmclane/

If you haven’t join my private Facebook group, click https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437940910025060

Stay tuned for part two in the new year!

Ying