Shaun Greenwald’s Essential Advice: Find the Art in Every Day

Shaun Greenwald, celebrated artist and educator, shares this profound insight with aspiring artists: the most impactful art often emerges from everyday life. Greenwald encourages creatives to see the beauty in their surroundings, explaining that inspiration is not confined to grand or rare experiences but can be found in small, everyday moments.

1. Observe with Intention

“Art starts with observation,” Greenwald says. He advises artists to observe their environment with intentionality, whether it’s the subtle change in light, the texture of an old building, or the patterns in nature. “When you see life with an artist’s eye, everything around you becomes a source of inspiration,” he explains, encouraging artists to carry a sketchbook or camera to capture anything that resonates with them.

2. Turn Mundane Moments into Artistic Exploration

Shaun Greenwald believes that everyday tasks and routines can spark creativity. “Art is a way of interpreting life,” he notes, “and life’s most ordinary moments often contain extraordinary details.” He suggests using familiar spaces or objects as creative prompts, challenging artists to transform them into something visually compelling. This approach, he says, helps build a habit of looking for art in everything, from morning commutes to coffee shop visits.

3. Let Your Emotions Guide Your Work

According to Greenwald, feelings are essential fuel for creativity. He advises artists to embrace their emotions as they create, letting their inner experiences shape their work. “Art is personal, so let your own life flow into it,” he says. By allowing emotions—whether joy, sadness, or nostalgia—to influence their pieces, artists create work that resonates more powerfully with their audience.

4. Stay Open to Unexpected Ideas

Greenwald encourages artists to embrace spontaneity, keeping an open mind to new ideas. “Sometimes the best ideas come from what you didn’t plan,” he notes. He suggests that artists allow themselves to explore without predetermined expectations, using chance encounters or unexpected thoughts as starting points. This flexibility can often lead to surprising and meaningful art.

5. Create Consistently, Even in Small Ways

Greenwald stresses the value of consistent practice, encouraging artists to make time for creative expression each day. “You don’t have to create a masterpiece every time,” he says. “A quick sketch, a color study, or a new idea are all steps in your artistic journey.” By maintaining a regular creative habit, artists can stay connected to their craft, nurturing progress over time.

Greenwald’s advice is a reminder that art is not separate from life—it is woven into it. His encouragement to seek beauty in the everyday, embrace emotion, and stay open to unexpected ideas allows artists to find inspiration anywhere and create art that is both authentic and deeply resonant.