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Finding inspiration - OCRFinding inspiration in the work of artists

Artists and designers look for inspiration to use as a starting point for their creative projects. Many artists and designers find inspiration in the work of others.

Part of Art and DesignPortfolio and External Assessment

Finding inspiration in the work of artists

Student research on Robert and Sonia Delaunay
Image caption,
A student takes inspiration from Robert and Sonia Delaunay. Other artists' ideas and use of elements can help you develop your own visual language
Notes and drawings about Corn茅 Eksteen
Figure caption,
A student's research into Corn茅 Eksteen

Studying the work of different artists should give you ideas for your own work.

Choose artists and artworks that relate to your own practical work, perhaps through similar subject matter, theme or .

Completing a of artworks will make sure you have a good understanding of the work and can help you develop your own creativity. For each artwork:

  • describe how the artist has used a range of art materials, techniques and/or technology in the work
  • describe the artist's creative choices and write about how these have impacted on the work, for example:
    • their use of visual elements, eg colour, shape, pattern
    • their choice of composition, eg balance, emphasis, unity and variety
    • the they have chosen to show their subject from
  • investigate and and describe how these have impacted on the artwork

The spidergram below sets out different parts of an artist's work that you should consider.

Title of artwork/Name of artist. Use of key visual elements, Visual impact and scale, Materials/techniques, Mood and atmosphere, Composition, Social and cultural influences

Checklist

  • collect images of a variety of artists' and designers' work when you begin your research. Keep an open mind.
  • select artworks for analysis which are relevant to your own chosen subject matter
  • choose artworks in styles that you like and which you would like to try
  • choose artists that you can find reliable information on so that you can research their techniques and find out about social and cultural influences on their work
  • ensure that all comments about social and cultural influences in your critical analysis relate directly to the effect on the selected artworks