Creative Musings from Painter Claire Jane Kendrick
Creative Musings from Painter Claire Jane Kendrick


Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with a group of 70 art enthusiasts to discuss creativity and the art of still-life painting. One very thought-provoking topic that emerged during our discussion was the concept of creativity and the unknown —allowing yourself to begin a painting without a rigid purpose of mind or a meticulously planned approach.
This idea often challenges traditional methods of teaching, where artists are encouraged to establish a clear viewpoint, a focal point, and a hierarchy in the composition early on. While these principles are valuable, I encouraged the students to consider delaying those decisions. Instead, I asked them to explore the freedom of starting a painting in a looser, more creative way—blocking in shapes, embracing abstraction, and letting the painting evolve naturally in its initial stages.
The Power of an Open Mind in the Creative Process
A couple of days after this discussion, I came across a passage in John Cleese’s book on creativity that beautifully articulated this philosophy. Cleese speaks about the importance of an open mind when writing, painting, or creating in any medium. He emphasizes that creativity often thrives in the space of uncertainty and exploration—not knowing exactly where a piece is going can lead to unexpected and extraordinary results.
When we approach a painting (or any creative endeavor) with an open mind, we give ourselves the freedom to experiment, to make mistakes, and to discover new possibilities. In the context of painting, this might mean allowing the early stages of a work to remain loose, abstract, and unrefined—blocking in big shapes with bold brushstrokes, focusing on energy rather than precision.
Why Let Go of Control?
The reason I encourage this approach is simple: the initial stages of a painting are a fertile ground for creativity. They set the tone for the entire piece and give you permission to explore before locking into a fixed idea. If you map everything out too soon—drawing precise outlines or rigidly defining the composition—you risk losing the vitality and spontaneity that often bring a painting to life.
This approach isn’t about rejecting structure; it’s about postponing it. The hierarchy, the viewpoint, the fine details—they can all come later. But at the beginning, let the process feel playful and abstract. You might be surprised at what emerges when you loosen the reins.
Creativity as a Philosophy for Life
The philosophy of starting with an open mind doesn’t just apply to painting. It can be a powerful way to approach life, problem-solving, or any creative pursuit. When we let go of the need to control every outcome, we make room for serendipity, for happy accidents, and for the unplanned brilliance that often exceeds our expectations.
An Invitation to Explore
I encouraged the students to take this idea into their own creative practices. Allow the canvas to surprise you. Start bold, abstract, and free. Push traditional techniques aside in the early stages, and see where your instincts take you.
The questions from the students during this discussion were amazing—they really made me reflect on my own process. Creativity, at its core, is about curiosity and exploration. When you’re willing to embrace the unknown, the results can be truly transformative.
If you’ve tried this approach—or if you’re inspired to give it a go—I’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your thoughts, quotes in the comments below or drop me a note through my website. Let’s keep the conversation about creativity and the unknown alive!
Warmly,
Claire Jane Kendrick




