Inspiration is a funny beast.

It can strike at any time, catching you totally unaware.  Sometimes it digs its teeth in, and you can’t possibly ignore it; other times, it’s like a flash in the pan, hopefully buried in your subconscious to arise again when needed.

 Since I closed my shop, I’ve been home with my two year old son.  A lot.  Not much adult tv, and I don’t remember the last time I read a book with more than 15 pages.  But boy, some of those books are so inspiring.  In particular, lately I’ve been looking at Drummer Hoff by Barbara and Ed Emberly, and Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hawkins.  Hoff is illustrated with woodcut prints and then colored.  So bright, so graphic!  Rosie is very graphic as well–clean lines, use of color, etc.  It may not be reflected in my work at this time, but my sketchbook will be getting a workout. 

The other night we were watching the cartoon Hercules.  I looked up and there was a fantastic mosaic design on the floor of (what I believe was) the Parthenon.  Grab a sketchbook and one of Isaac’s markers, and there was another idea for a pendant design.

Children’s literature and movies are designed to catch the eyes of small kids; look to them for inspiration in color and design.

What inspires YOU???