The Quirky Art of Not Knowing What’s Next: Grotesques, Hippos & Creative Pauses

As I wrap up my series of Grotesque Paintings (which, let’s be honest, sounds delightfully awful), I can’t help but laugh. The title makes it sound dark and dreadful, but the work? It’s been more funny than fearsome—quirky, expressive, and sometimes just a little too relatable.

The “Now What?” Phase

And now... I’m in that weird in-between place:

What’s next?

I’ve got no shortage of ideas. They’re scribbled in sketchbooks, tucked away in mental folders, and doodled on stray napkins. But at the moment, none of them are jumping up and yelling, “Pick me! Pick me!” like that poor kid on the dodgeball court no one wants on their team.

The ideas are there - they're just... quiet. Waiting for the right spark. Such is the nature of quirky art - it rarely arrives on schedule.

A Hippo, Some Fish, and No Clue What Comes Next

Take the hippo from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. I really want to paint it. I look at it and feel something stirring. I have even gone so far as to sketch the hippo and helpful, curious fish. But the vision isn’t fully formed yet. I know how I want to feel when I paint it, but not quite how I want it to look. Until those two things align, it’ll stay on the “soon, but not yet” list.

Hippo from Henry Doorly Zoo. Hippo sketch

I’ve even touched up my band of merry men from Mount Rushmore. But it’s not their moment either.

A creative reinterpretation of Mount Rushmore with a unique and artistic touch. Still under construction.

When Inspiration Ignores You

That’s the thing about making art - inspiration doesn’t show up on command. Sometimes it hits like lightning. Other times, it sneaks in quietly while you’re folding laundry or wondering what to make for dinner. It’s unpredictable, a little wild, and occasionally rude.

So, for now, I’m floating.

Finishing up the last details of the Grotesques. Revisiting half-finished pieces that once drove me to the brink - some still in artistic time - out, others silently judging me from across the studio. A few seem to whisper, “You again?”

These unfinished works? They’re part of what makes this quirky art journey so real. Messy, stubborn, and totally mine.

The Spark Will Come

Eventually, something will grab me by the imagination and refuse to let go. It always does.

Until then, I’m here - listening for the spark, painting the edges, and sneaking another look at that hippo.

So, if you're wondering where the next masterpiece is...It’s probably still out there, stretching, pacing, waiting to surprise me.

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo

A blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.

💬 Share your spark (or lack thereof). The comments are open, and the hippo is listening. Sort of.

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