5 practical ways to find urban art painting inspiration
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 5 min read

Contents

  1. Explore local urban spaces
  2. Observe street fashion trends
  3. Visit urban art exhibitions
  4. Follow urban artists on social media
  5. Experiment with different mediums and styles

Are you an artist finding yourself in a creative rut? Well, you're in the right place. We're about to share five practical ways to find urban art painting inspiration—yes, that means no more staring at a blank canvas. Let's dive in, shall we?

1. Explore Local Urban Spaces

When it comes to urban art painting inspiration, there's no better place to start than your local urban spaces. These areas are rich with color, texture, and culture, all of which can stimulate your artistic senses.

Discover Hidden Gems in Your City

  • Street Art Murals: These urban canvases are a gold mine for inspiration. Look for the variety in color combinations, themes, and styles. How does a particular mural make you feel? What story is it telling? Jot down your thoughts—you never know when they might spark a great idea.
  • Architectural Structures: From modern skyscrapers to century-old buildings, the architecture in your city can offer a wealth of inspiration. Pay attention to lines, shapes, and patterns. They can become interesting elements in your paintings.
  • Public Spaces: Parks, squares, and markets are full of life and energy. The vibrancy and dynamics of these spaces can be a great source of inspiration for your urban art painting.

Carry a Sketchbook

As you explore, it's a good idea to carry a sketchbook. This allows you to capture interesting scenes, patterns, or color schemes on the spot. Plus, these sketches can serve as valuable reference material when you're back in your studio.

Take Photos

Alongside sketching, snapping photos of inspiring scenes or elements offers another way to document your urban exploration. With a smartphone, you can easily capture high-quality images—so you don't miss out on any potential urban art painting inspiration.

Remember, inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. So, keep your eyes open and your sketchbook ready as you explore local urban spaces. Who knows? Your next masterpiece might just be waiting around the corner!

Another practical way to find urban art painting inspiration is by observing street fashion trends. After all, fashion is a form of art. The colors, patterns, and textures you see in clothing can provide a refreshing idea for your next piece.

Look around as you walk down the streets. You'll see a variety of styles, from the edgy and avant-garde to the classic and minimalistic. You might even notice a recurring color, pattern, or fabric that's currently popular. This could be an interesting theme to explore in your painting.

Fashion Magazines and Blogs

  • Magazines: Grab a copy of Vogue, Elle, or any other fashion magazine. They're full of high-quality images and fashion editorials that can inspire your artwork.
  • Blogs: There are countless fashion blogs and websites. Check out sites like The Sartorialist or Street Peeper. These sites document street fashion from around the world, offering a diverse array of styles to draw inspiration from.

Draw Inspiration from Fashion Designers

Don't forget about fashion designers—they are artists in their own right. Designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo are known for pushing boundaries and creating unique, artistic pieces. Their work can inspire you to think outside the box and try something new in your urban art painting.

In conclusion, observing street fashion trends can open up a new world of inspiration for your artwork. So, the next time you're out and about, don't just walk past the fashionistas—observe, take notes, and let their style fuel your creativity.

3. Visit Urban Art Exhibitions

What better place to find urban art painting inspiration than at an exhibition dedicated to urban art? Exhibitions not only showcase a variety of styles and techniques but also provide an opportunity to learn from other artists and their creative process.

Discover New Artists and Styles

Every artist has a unique style. By visiting exhibitions, you can discover new artists whose work resonates with you. Perhaps you'll be inspired by the bold lines of a graffiti artist, the intricate details of a stencil artist, or the abstract shapes of a modernist. The more art you see, the more inspiration you'll find.

Learn from the Masters

Exhibitions often feature works by renowned urban artists. Studying their art can provide valuable insights into technique, composition, and color use. Artists like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, or Kaws have left a significant mark on urban art, and their work can serve as a great source of inspiration.

Interact with the Art Community

Exhibitions also provide a platform for dialogue and interaction within the art community. You can engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, or even collaborate with other artists. This sense of community can fuel your creativity and broaden your perspective on urban art painting.

Remember, art exhibitions are more than just a visual feast—they're a learning experience. Each visit could spark a new idea, inspire a new painting, or even define your artistic style.

4. Follow Urban Artists on Social Media

Following urban artists on social media is a fast, accessible way to find urban art painting inspiration. This modern approach allows you to view art from around the globe, learn from a variety of styles, and stay updated on the latest trends.

Discover Global Art

The beauty of social media is that it connects us to the world. With just a few clicks, you can explore urban art from different countries and cultures. This global perspective can inspire you to incorporate new elements into your own paintings, making your work more diverse and inclusive.

Learn from a Variety of Styles

Social media platforms are home to a vast array of urban artists, each with their unique style and technique. Some artists might specialize in graffiti, while others might focus on stencil art or mural painting. By following these artists, you can learn from their styles and techniques, and apply them to your own work.

Urban art is always evolving, and social media is a great way to stay on top of the latest trends. Following urban artists allows you to see what's popular, what's emerging, and what's fading. This knowledge can guide your own work, helping you create art that's relevant to today's audience.

So, next time you're scrolling through your social media feed, consider it an opportunity to find urban art painting inspiration. You never know when you might come across a piece of art that sparks your creativity.

5. Experiment with Different Mediums and Styles

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the freedom to explore and experiment. When it comes to finding urban art painting inspiration, trying out different mediums and styles can spark creativity and lead to unexpected discoveries.

Switch up Your Mediums

Are you used to working with acrylics? How about giving spray paints or markers a whirl? Each medium has its unique characteristics and learning to harness these can open up a new world of possibilities. Remember, there's no such thing as a wrong choice, just a new experience.

Play with Styles

Urban art is a broad genre that encompasses a variety of styles. From graffiti and stencil art to poster art and murals, there's a whole range to explore. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You might be surprised at what resonates with you.

Combine the Unexpected

Who says you have to stick to one medium or style? Some of the most exciting pieces of urban art come from unexpected combinations. Spray paint with charcoal? Why not! Graffiti with impressionism? Give it a try! Mixing and matching can lead to unique works that truly stand out.

As you experiment, remember that every successful artist once started as an explorer. So, go ahead, grab your brushes, bottles, cans, or whatever else you have at hand, and let your creative spirit run free. Who knows? Your next experiment could be the source of your urban art painting inspiration.

If you enjoyed learning about urban art painting inspiration and want to further develop your unique artistic vision, check out the workshop 'Expressing Your Unique Artistic Vision' by Michael Ryan. This workshop will provide you with even more insights and techniques to help you uncover your unique artistic voice and bring your creative vision to life.