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 detach from the world. And of course, that is often where artists go to find their most profound inspiration - somewhere deep within their inner psyches, a private place that only they have access to. 

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, 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 even just observing something around you that has suddenly stirred up your curiosity or emotions.

Filmmaker Jim Jarmusch insightfully 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." Certainly very useful advice.

Of course, another very helpful way to search for inspiration is via other artists. Take the time to learn about the history of art, and you might just discover a painting, a sculpture, perhaps maybe a photograph that sparks the imagination. Though it should be stressed here that it is essential to always explore how that influence can help you create a style that is uniquely yours.

“I paint my own reality,” revered Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was once quoted as saying - and surely, most would agree that is the best path to making work that resonates in the most profound and authentic way.

Where can you look for inspiration? -

Other Artists

The great art movements of history are still inspiring 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 in 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 then maybe future generations of kids will 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 made poignant paintings of simple working class folk in Southern France, just going about their business from day to day. 

Growing up, a kid’s biggest influence is, most likely, their own family and friends. But rather than just drawing them as you see them, instead go a little deeper and think of the things that make them the unique people they are: maybe dad is an amazing chef, or big sis is an accomplished soccer player - and think of how those things would influence your painted portrait of them. One of the best young contemporary painters of family life is Destiny Belgrave, born in Brooklyn in 1996, especially her Strawberry Rhubarb series, which simply radiates with love.

Notable Works of Art About Family

Rachel Whitetread, Storytime (2008)

Eva Armisen, Family Portrait (2021)

Zoya Cherkassky, My Family at The Immigration Office (2023)

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 see 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’s more important than ever to go out and really experience nature, and to let it act as surely the artistic inspiration with the most boundless possibilities - because there is always something new to discover out there. From bugs to birds to animals and plants and even the sky above, just taking a walk in the park can spark the imagination in so many ways. 

Notable 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!. (Note: Despite the name tigernoodles, we do not actually have a pet tiger.)

Notable 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)