How to Find Everyday Inspiration for Your Textured Art (Without Copying Others)

One of the most common challenges I hear from new artists is, "I just don’t know what to make." When you’re beginning your textured art journey, it’s natural to look at others for guidance, and that’s okay. But while copying can help you learn techniques, true creative confidence comes from discovering your own inspiration. And here’s the good news: inspiration is everywhere, you just have to start looking.

This blog will help you train your eyes and mind to notice textures, patterns, and designs hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re working with plaster, paste, or mixed media, you’ll learn how to draw ideas from your surroundings and develop your own unique textured art style.

Why It's Okay to Start by Following Others

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s nothing wrong with using reference images or learning by mimicking other artists’ styles. It’s how we all start. But if you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to move beyond that phase, it might be time to explore your environment for inspiration.

Developing your own voice in textured wall art starts with shifting your mindset from “what should I make?” to “what do I notice?” This is where creativity begins.

Textures Are All Around You

Open your eyes, and you’ll find patterns, shapes, and textures everywhere you look. Some of my favourite sources of inspiration for textured art include:

* The raised patterns on a ceramic plant pot
* A beautifully designed wine label with foil or embossed textures
* Raindrops trickling down a window
* The veins of a leaf or texture of tree bark
* Intricate bedspreads, cushions, or throw rugs
* Symbols, logos, or marks that carry personal meaning

The beauty of drawing from your surroundings is that it naturally adds personality and originality to your work. You start noticing what you are drawn to, and that’s where your art begins to reflect your unique perspective.

Practice Noticing with Purpose

If you want to start creating more original textured art, try building a simple habit of observation. Each day, take a few minutes to:

* Snap a photo of a texture you like (tiles, leaves, stone, fabric, etc.)
* Keep a digital folder or mood board of inspiring textures
* Sketch or write a quick note about what caught your attention

This isn’t about finding something “good enough to copy”. It’s about becoming aware. The more you notice, the more ideas will start to flow.

Translating Inspiration Into Texture

Now that you’ve found something inspiring, how do you bring it into your artwork?
Abstract it: If you see a pattern in a rug, try repeating the shapes in your plaster work using a palette knife.
Simplify it: Take the essence of the design; lines, dots, waves etc. and make it your own.
Layer it: Combine elements from different inspirations. A curved shape from a vine, lines from fabric, and raised circles from a candle jar.
The goal is not to copy exactly, but to reinterpret what you see in a way that feels natural in your textured art creations.

Build Your Confidence One Idea at a Time

The more you create from your own observations, the less you’ll feel the need to rely on other people’s ideas. This is where confidence grows. You’ll find that even the simplest thing, like the texture of your couch, can spark a beautiful, original design.

Remember, your perspective is your superpower. What you notice, how you feel about it, and how you express it through texture is what makes your art meaningful.

Conclusion

You don’t need a perfect idea or someone else’s permission to create. Just look around. Inspiration for your next textured wall art piece might already be in your lounge room, garden, or parked next to you at the café.

When you train yourself to observe with intention, creativity flows naturally. Whether it’s from nature, home décor, patterns, or meaningful symbols, your surroundings offer endless possibilities. Let your environment speak to you, and then let your art speak for you.

If you’re ready to explore this more, join a Tipsy Textures workshop or subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll learn how to spot inspiration, trust your creative instincts, and turn everyday textures into extraordinary art.

If you want to connect with other likeminded artists, from beginners to experienced, join my Facebook Group, The Texture Life Journey.