Creating Inspiration from Withing

Whenever I sit down to paint, I go through a process placing myself in a certain scenery and take the time to feeling the wind, taking in the smells and enjoying the surroundings. Its’ like going into a state o

f meditation. At the same time, I am able to take advantage of images wherever I can find them, such as the internet, photos, magazines, etc.


"Sanctuary 2011" acrylic on canvas By Michael A. Williams

It has becomes quite challenging when utilizing photos from any source due to my visual impairment. You see, I was born with an eye disorder called Stargardt’s Disease, which affects the central part of the eye or the macular. My sight started deteriorating when I was a teenager and the deterioration stabilized when I reached my mid 20s and remained the same ever since. However, I have taken to improvising what I cannot see and still accomplish my goal of producing a great work of art.
As I continue the process of painting, I have to utilize some technology, such as a close circuit television, to aid me in reading the colors on the tubes and bottles of paints. The CCTV acts as an electronic magnifier and some low tech items, such as a hand held magnifying glass to help me see some of the items in a photo, which still doesn’t help much and plenty of lighting to aid me in seeing some, about 400 watts should do the trick.  I like to start off painting in the sky for it sets the tone of what mood I am in. Do I wish for a morning sunrise or evening sunset or maybe a stormy sky.  Weather in a painting enables me to determine what subject I want to include in my painting and how simple or sophisticating I wanting the painting to become.
Some works may take a couple of days or a couple of years o produce. When you’re  visually impaired it take a little more involvement and it can become a little mind draining than normal.   As a visually impaired artist, I get the pure enjoyment of creating beauty my way and on my terms. I can say a part of me goes into every piece I produce for I am having to utilize my imagination and heart. Yes, the challenges are there, but, I learn while doing and crate with inspiration.

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