How do I select my subjects for painting?

Great question.  Finding beauty where we are is an important aspect, for me, to living well.  Yesterday on my evening walk with my husband and our dogs I captured these images of flowers.  These were all within a 15 minute walk of my home.  

I think one thing becomes clear, when you look at this group, is that I have a particular way of framing what I capture and that translates directly on to the canvas. I think subconsciously I try to pick out what I think is important about each flower and highlight that. I'm not always interested in showing the whole flower or the surrounding foliage if it means I have to divert attention from the focal point. In other cases, the entire flower is necessary.  Such as the white rose.  Oh my!  This rose is 8 inches across.  Absolutely spectacular.  

The other thing that may not be as clear is that I default to the sunny side of life.  Seeing the brightness versus the darkness.  In some cases there is a highlight of radiance, in others it is a myriad of folds that attracts me. 

This is the wonderful thing about artistic expression.  There is no wrong answer.  Whatever we see and what we choose to capture is our prerogative.  

Do you consider yourself creative?  What things do you enjoy to create?  Have you ever discredited your creativity for what you have captured?  I'd love to hear your thoughts. The comment box is below, just drop it in there. 

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