Artistic inspiration is a powerful force that drives creativity and fuels the passion of artists. It can come from all over the place – your experiences of life, the world, and the work of other artists. The three artists we spotlight here share diverse perspectives and creative processes that demonstrate how inspiration can be channeled and transformed into extraordinary works of art.

Make a Splash!

Watercolorist Cheng-Khee Chee’s splash color technique embodies the spirit of inspiration and innovation with extraordinary flair. Chee, a renowned artist known for his mastery of watercolor, has captured the imagination of art enthusiasts around the world with his unique approach. 

By employing vibrant splashes of color in his compositions (see painting above), Chee’s work transcends the boundaries of traditional watercolor painting, breathing life and energy into his finished work.

Each splash carries a sense of freedom and unpredictability, inviting viewers to explore the depth and complexity. The fusion of controlled precision and uninhibited spontaneity serves as a reminder that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. Chee encourages artists to embrace boldness and take risks in their creative endeavors. Download Chee’s “Splash Color Technique” video here.

Bringing Light and Drama to the Every Day

Mike Hernandez

Mike Hernandez finds the extraordinary beauty among the ordinary things we see every day, and then captures that in his paintings. This takes training the senses to go around and away from what is right in front of us — to see the things that not everybody else would see.

It’s what allows you, he says, to accelerate the quality of your paintings and fast-track your own look … your own signature style.

As a production designer at DreamWorks Animation, Mike has an extensive background in theatrical lighting. Mike shares how he combines what he knows from that world with landscape paintings in his video, Creating Drama with Light and Color

Light it Up!

Work by Kathleen Dunphy

Inspired by the beauty of nature, nationally acclaimed artist Kathleen Dunphy paints her reverence for the natural world in bold color and brilliant light. In her video, Kathleen shows how she captures the light in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Learn why understanding the quality of light is so important and how to express that confidently in your own paintings. Download Kathleen’s video here.