photo of myself with artwork; Judge for the Bluff Strokes plein air competition 2023 in Dubuque, Iowa
photo of myself with artwork; Judge for the Bluff Strokes plein air competition 2023 in Dubuque, Iowa

How do you find inspiration?
Carol Wasson: There is not an artist alive who at one time or another has not felt uninspired. When I feel that sense of boredom settling in, I seek answers in a variety of ways.

Study historical artists. Several years ago, I happened to learn about the pastel-monotype techniques of Edgar Degas. That led me to exciting new concepts using monotype as an underpainting for pastel. I even purchased a press.

Find your tribe, when we hang out with like-minded people, we can easily get inspired, I learn new techniques, make new friends, and share my own knowledge.

“What if” is a simple question to push creativity and inspire you to new paths. “What if” means you forge ahead with no fear.

Taking a class or teaching a class is another simple way to be inspired. Artists are so good at giving and sharing what they know.

Lastly, Chuck Close says, “Inspiration is for amateurs the rest of us just show up and get to work”. Sometimes that works for me, just showing up every day and painting no matter how I feel, can lead to new discoveries.

To see more of Carol’s work, visit:
Website

pastel painting of cityscape with buildings releasing smoke
Carol Wasson, “Cardinal Ethanol Sunset,” pastel monotype studies, 24 x 24 in., 2023; based on many, pastel monotype studies
black and white pastel painting of a river flowing through with land and trees
Carol Wasson, “Still Waters,” Monotype, 12 x 16 in., 2023; Sometimes I like the design and do not cover with pastel

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