This is an often asked question in the artist (blog)world and not always
easy to answer. I, for instance, find inspiration all around me and it varies
all the time. Take my latest art journal page…

The Chronicles of Marit 2012 – Week 41
(click on the image to enlarge)

OK, Dutch people can read the journaling so they got a hint –
but keep reading if you want to know more…

Curious to know why those figures suddenly popped up on my art journal
pages and where they come from?  Well, I saw a news item on TV about the
works of the Dutch artist Anton Heyboer (1924 – 2005).

Anton was famous in the Netherlands and most people know the name.
Not  that they know what art he made, but because he lived in a small
community in the countryside together with four woman (referred to as
‘his brides.’) The fifth woman lived in a gallery across the street and sold his art.

Anton Heyboer was an intriguing person, but like most people I did not
know his work very well…. but when I saw this video on the 8 o’clock news
last Saturday, my eye was drawn to the figures he used in his art.
I didn’t even hear why this video was shot or what the ‘news’ was all about,
I was thát intrigued by the paintings and graphic that were shown. (I watched
the video again later and this was the news in short: “The public prosecutor
examines the authenticity of four and a half thousand works of the late artist
Anton Heyboer.”)

Next day, Sunday, I started my weekly art journal spread and the first thing
I did was sketch ‘Anton-like figures’ on the page! Just to remember them.

My journaling says: “Thinking back on the week, nothing much comes
to mind. Only the art of Anton Heyboer which I saw on TV. I don’t care
if it were originals or forgeries, I was intrigued!”

It was only after I finished my page, that I googled Anton Heyboer
(I wanted to create my spread with only the image I had in mind
and not be distracted by more or other images)

The next painting is one of my faves.

Anton Heyboer- Punt 1- stretched linen 150 x 200 cm
Image found on www.Amstelveenweb.com

The artist is not (well) known in other countries and most information
on the Internet is in Dutch, but I found an Art Auction website with
some info in English for the ones among you who want to read more.

Now there’s a good chance I will draw more ‘Anton figures’ in the future.
I like the simplicity and graphic feel of these shapes. I will just let it happen
and see what the outcome is.

Tell me: what does inspire YOU these days?