How Art Inspires My Writing – Plus Win a Lawrence Dyer Print!
So, I’m sure you all know that I’m a very visual person. Despite being a writer, art is a huge part of my creative processes–both creating it and viewing it.
When I’m working on a new manuscript, I often like to sketch out my ideas or characters (very occasionally!). There’s just something about working on a writing project from a different creative angle that I find really helpful. And, especially if I don’t feel like writing one day, doing some artwork or sketches can often help me subconsciously work through any problems that may have arisen in my plot.
Here’s one I did recently of the bison from my Untamed books.
At the time, I was working through some major revisions on the opening of book three–and although the bison doesn’t appear in any of the sections I was working on, turning to drawing really helped refresh me for when I went back to editing and writing.
But many of my writings have been inspired by different paintings and drawings. A picture really does tell a thousand words!
I’m lucky in that my father, Lawrence Dyer, is a professional artist. So, I’m always surrounded by plenty of art, should I need some more inspiration. I mean, take a look at these amazing paintings!
They’re so atmospheric and full of energy. These ones in particular have inspired me in writing stormy coastal scenes, reminding me of the great power of nature.
Here’s a quick look at one of the walls of my room at the moment; as you can see, I’ve created a sort of “mood board” of the art that’s inspired my latest plot idea. On this wall, there’s art by Collin Allbrook, and my dad, Lawrence Dyer.
Plus, this image below is the painting the painting my dad that inspired me to write one of my first manuscripts–a story about selkies. I’m not sure if I’ll do anything with that manuscript, but I love looking at this painting because it fills me with the feelings that I translated into that book. It reminds me of the magic of writing that story because it was so anchored in visuality.
I just love how the top half of this scene is obscured by mist and clouds–it gives it a really magical feel. And the colours–those blues are so soft; there’s something really appealing about the tones.
So, given that my dad’s artwork really inspires me, I’m hugely excited to say that my dad is letting me run a giveaway for one of his prints!
Lawrence Dyer is giving away a print of “March Morning at Crackington Haven”, which is this:
The image measures approximately 30cm by 18cm, and mounted it is about 50cm by 30cm.
Mounted, it looks like this:
The print is of an oil painting of Crackington Haven, an atmospheric part of the Cornish coast (in the UK).
This giveaway is open internationally! To enter, use the Rafflecopter below.
**if you’d like to leave a comment about my dad’s paintings for him to see, then please leave it on his Facebook page**
Art inspires me to be more creative in my own hobbies and art.
I often find inspiration in art. My book is set in the East Coat of the US so I have a few coastal scenes as well. Your dad’s art work is great!
Even though it’s a cliche, a picture is truly worth (much) more than a thousand words. Extracting the words from the image is the challenging part!
Art inspires me every day in my poetry and other writings. Art is very much a huge part of my world! 🙂
I love the movement of his pieces, and the play on realism. The river paintings speak to me. I feel a sense of calm rush over me when I’m around cool water running over rocks, the sounds of it trickling, leaves rustling and blood rushing through my ears. His paintings bring that emotion instantly.
I tried to leave a comment on his website, but it wouldn’t let me 🙁 Anyhow, this one art enthusiast thinks his work is remarkable.
Thanks for letting me know, Elizabeth. I’ve let my dad know and he’s trying to remedy the issue–how strange!
In the meantime, if you’d like to leave a comment on his Facebook page, that would be great.
Now on to your other question:
Art inspires me to live more fully. I see it and realize that I am so small. There is so much in this universe left to discover, art urges me to do it.
Art opens new perspectives and challenges me with new ideas.