As artists, we’re always on the lookout for that spark of inspiration, but sometimes it can feel elusive.
The truth is, inspiration doesn’t have to come from grand scenes or extraordinary events—it can be found in the simplest moments of everyday life.
Whether it’s the way the light falls on your morning coffee cup, a colorful bouquet on the dining room table, or even the texture of a weathered fence post, inspiration is all around you.
In this post, I’ll show you how to find beauty in the ordinary and turn it into a source of endless creativity for your watercolor paintings.
Look for Details in the Mundane
The first step in finding inspiration in everyday life is to start noticing the details in your surroundings.
Often, we’re so busy moving through our daily routines that we overlook the small moments of beauty that are right in front of us.
Next time you’re outside, notice how the shadows play on the sidewalk or how the colors of the sky shift at different times of day.
These observations can serve as the foundation for a beautiful painting.
Even something as simple as the way light filters through your curtains can inspire a study of light and shadow.
Capture Moments Quickly
When we finally notice that litte moment and inspiration strikes, it’s important to capture the moment, even if you don’t have the time for a full painting.
I recommend carrying a small sketchbook, I keep one in my purse with a tiny travel paint set and pen.
Or you can take quick photos on your phone when something catches your eye. Keep them in a folder for easy organization and access.
When you finally have a moment to stop and paint, you'll have plenty of ideas and reference photos easy to access.
The great thing about watercolor is its flexibility—you can revisit these moments in your sketches and explore them further with color and texture.
Some of my favorite paintings have come from a moment I snapped a picture of during an afternoon walk or while waiting for a coffee.
Draw from Your Daily Life
You don’t need to wait for a special occasion or trip to find a painting subject. Your daily life is full of inspiration!
Look for subjects that resonate with you personally—whether it’s the plants in your garden, a cozy corner of your home, or even the ingredients of a recipe you’re preparing.
When you paint things that are meaningful to you, that personal connection will come through in your artwork.
Once you enjoy drawing individual pieces of the world around you, your next step might be learning to join those objects together to compose a scene.
If finding inspiration and understanding composition is something you want to do more of, check out my mini course on just that here.
Inspiration in the Ordinary
At its core, painting is about seeing the world through fresh eyes.
When you start noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary, you’ll find yourself surrounded by inspiration every day.
It’s not about waiting for the perfect scene or subject—it’s about opening your mind to the beauty that already exists in your life.
So, next time you sit down with your watercolor supplies, ask yourself: What’s around me that I can turn into art today?
Final Thoughts
Inspiration is always close by, and by staying present and mindful of your surroundings, you can find endless beauty in everyday moments.
Whether you’re sketching quickly or painting with care, the world is full of subjects waiting for you to bring them to life.
Keep painting, and don’t forget to take in the beauty of the ordinary.
Happy painting,
-Alyssa
