I've been thinking recently about how putting constraints on oneself can lead to more creativity. I've had some real-world first-hand knowledge in understanding how conditions lead to more creativity by being a member of a co-op gallery. In the gallery, creating work that is appealing to people visiting the coast is in my best interests, so I paint the ocean. I love painting the sea, so it works out for everyone, but I've come up with some really inventive ways to paint the ocean because that's all I paint. Along these lines, I am trying to design exercises to continue to foster the creativity that constriction and constraints provide.

The video below is how I see it, or at least how it feels in my brain. With the world wide open, sometimes there are too many choices and too many decisions to make, it gets overwhelming, and decision paralysis sets in. But with a slight narrowing of focus and a bit of constraint, almost to the point of boredom, my brain kicks into high gear and starts making new and exciting things out of the few strands of the color of the subject matter I've handed it.

I was inspired by this beautiful but monochromatic day on the beach last weekend, and the thought occurred to me, can I paint a painting using only one or two colors?

Since considering this monochromatic concept, I’ve discovered two artists I now follow on Instagram who regularly only use one to three colors. While I love all the colors, I am intrigued about where this experiment might lead me.

I would love to know your thoughts on constraints, rules, and other pressure that may have sparked your greater sense of creativity. Please drop your experience in the comments below.