We artists are pack rats. We collect things that most people throw away such as old calendars, outdated catalogues, newspaper clippings and magazines, especially art magazines. Why? Because we need these things for reference down the road when we don't quite remember what something looks like. Yes we all know what a dog looks like, for example, but can you draw or paint one without looking at one at the same time? Probably not. There is some little detail there that will make or break the drawing and the only way to get it right is to have an image or the real thing there in front of you. So that's why we take photos and collect everything we can that is art. I even buy greeting cards just for the artwork. I never copy them but I use them to learn more. We artists are always learning.
Magazines and clippings give us inspiration. It's the same as travelling to some spot for ideas. Sometimes we can find them right at home. Some artists even take the time to catalogue all their clippings and images into matching groups. I don't take the time for that. I throw most of mine into boxes and every time I go through them I get really excited, because I forget what's there.
Tin cans are another thing we all need down the road. You guessed it. I collect tin cans, especially the smaller fish cans that are great for mediums. Just throw them out when the oil dries up, properly of course.
