The word “muse” has two distinct meanings; but funny enough, both might have to do with how art gets made. The classical definition comes from ancient mythology, as The Muses were the nine Greek goddesses of song, dance and poetry - who were great inspirers of literature and the arts. 

But the other traces back to the 14th Century French word “muser”, which described someone so lost in thought that they would virtually escape from reality. And of course, artist often speak about the act of creation as sort of breaking away from the real world, to find inspiration in the surreal or fantastical.

Yet Vincent van Gogh painted as a purely impassioned response to what he saw around him, especially when it came to nature, revealing that, “The emotions are sometimes so strong that I work without knowing it.” And from his time in the late 19th Century, all the way to the present, the creation of art has been much more about making personal statements or observations, rather than exalting royalty and the divine, which were once its primary purposes. 

So, your muse could be your pet cat, your teacher, the beauty of nature - or just anything that has suddenly sparked your interest or imagination.

We particular love what filmmaker Jim Jarmusch was quoted as saying, when he suggested seeking inspiration in anything that, "...fuels your imagination: music, books, paintings, poems, dreams, random conversations, trees, clouds... Things that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work will be authentic." Truly excellent advice!

Of course, another very helpful way to search for inspiration is via other artists. It's important to take the time to learn about the history of art, as you might just discover a painting, a sculpture, perhaps maybe a photograph that sparks the imagination. It should be stressed here, however, that it is essential to always explore how that influence can help you create an artistic style that is uniquely your own.

“I paint my own reality,” revered Mexican artist Frida Kahlo once said of her own artistic philosophy. Safe to say, she has since inspired many to follow that same path.

Where can you look for inspiration? -

Other Artists

The great art movements of history are still influencing artists of all kinds, with even Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Ariana Grande each referencing famous paintings from the Renaissance era for their now iconic album covers. So take a fascinating journey into learning about those movements, from the Italian Renaissance to the Harlem Renaissance, from Modern Art to Indigenous Art, and anywhere before or after that piques your curiosity.

Oh, and don't be afraid to borrow a bit from what inspires you - everyone does it! Just be sure to make it your own...and surely future generations will be someday be learning about your art.

People/Family 

Centuries ago, artists were mostly commissioned by the church to create inspirational images of religious scenes and icons; or otherwise employed by royalty and the wealthy to paint their portraits. But by the 17th Century, some artists, especially the Dutch realist Johannes Vermeer (whose 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' was even made into a 2003 film starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson), were beautifully capturing scenes of everyday life. Later, Vincent van Gogh poignantly depicted simple working class folk in Southern France, just going about their daily business.

More recently, we can't say enough about great things about Destiny Belgrave, born in Brooklyn in 1996, and arguably one of the best young contemporary painters of family life, especially her 'Strawberry Rhubarb' series, which simply radiates with love.

Some of Our Favorite Works of Art About Family

Romare Bearden, Family (1986)

Rachel Whitetread, Storytime (2008)

Eva Armisen, Family Portrait (2021)

Nature

Perhaps no two modern artists celebrated the natural world in their work so much as Georgia O’Keefe and photographer Ansel Adams. The latter had the ability to see something in the landscapes of America that otherwise went unnoticed by most people; and he drew out those things in his images in such a way as to change how we view nature itself. While Ms. O’Keefe’s exquisite flower paintings not only dazzled with color and thought-provoking composition, they were usually rife with metaphor, as well - often concerning the empowerment of women, at a time when nearly all artists were men. 

In an increasingly digital existence, it is surely more important than ever to get out and experience nature, as its potential for creative inspiration would seem nearly boundless. After all, there is always something new to discover out there; and from bugs to birds to wildlife and plant life and even the sky above, just taking a walk in the park can spark the imagination in so many ways. 

Some of Our Favorite Works of Art About Nature 

Claude Monet - The Water Lilies (1897 - 1926)

Georgia O’Keefe - Falling Into Nature (1924)

Valeria Amirkhanyan - Closer to Me (2021)

Animals & Pets

Just like the rest of us, artists love their pets. And yes, those pets often act as muse to their uniquely talented human companions. Check out our story We Love Making Our Pets Into Art! (Editors' Note: Despite the name tigernoodles, we do not actually have a pet tiger.)

Some of Our Favorite Works of Art About Animals & Pets 

Frida Kahlo - Me and My Parrots (1941)

Andy Warhol - Cats and Dogs (1975-1976)

Jeff Koons - Balloon Dogs (1994 - 2000)