Here are some of the sites I visit to find inspiration. I will occasionally update this list, so if you have a suggestion, leave a comment or send it through the contact us form.

All links open in a new tab.

• Art | Inspiration
  A “magazine celebrating creative talent from around the world. Your daily fix of design, art, illustration, typography, photography, architecture, fashion and more.”
• Art and Design Inspiration – Blog
  “The Art and Design Inspiration website is written and produced by…Christina Rosepapa.”
• Creativeboom.com
  50 of the best websites for daily inspiration
  “News, inspiration, insight and advice to…creative professionals every year.”
• Juxtapoz Magazine
  A seemingly never ended set of articles about all types of art. There is also a marketplace that I have not checked out.
• Artsy
  A “marketplace for art by the world’s emerging and established artists.”
• Colossal
  “international platform for contemporary art and visual expression that explores a vast range of creative disciplines.”
• Art21
  “learn directly from the artists of our time.”

Where do you find inspiration? Share with the class!

Bret

For my first blog post I thought I would introduce myself and share a little of my art journey.

My name is Bret, and I am an artist and designer in the Chicago area. My journey to art is actually a journey back to art after a decades-long detour through software design. I think many people can relate to my story, where I fell in love with creating art as a child but was encouraged to follow a “realistic” career path. I discovered I could accept a career in design as a sort of substitute, so I went that direction. Along the way I had the opportunity to do some fun projects, win awards, and learn different skills. But the truth is I am an artist, so after many years I decided to return to my first love.

That’s where OnHandArt comes in as a way to explore my own art, but more so encourage you to explore your art. From the YouTube channel to this blog, and even the rest of the website, it’s my hope you find inspiration and encouragement to create.

As far as my art, it is generally found object, mixed media paintings, sculptures, and objects such as puzzle boxes. Everything I do is meant to evoke a sense of joy, fun, and play, or, on the odd occasion tell a personal story. But, more than that, I make art that I hope inspires other people to find their creative spark, teaches them a new technique, or encourages them to find their own style.

You can follow my journey on YouTube, read these occasional posts, or find me on LinkedIn.