21. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Image © Ben Killen Rosenberg / Getty Images
If you've let the cat out of the bag, you've accidentally revealed a secret or spoiled a surprise. But how did the cat get in the bag in the first place? Painting something involving a cat and a paper bag. How about a cat half-way out to tearing its own way out the bag?
22. Get a Word in Edgeways
Some people just go on and on when they're commenting on your paintings, don't they, not letting you get a word in? Paint a word being squeezed in somewhere. But first you'll have to decide what word. How about "creative" being squeezed between two rigid blocks?23. Get Cold Feet
It's not uncommon for an artist to get cold feet about a commission, to change their mind about it being a good idea and worry about the outcome. Paint your feet literally, for instance barefoot and blue or shoes in blocks of ice.24. All Dolled Up
If you wanted to impress people at a gallery opening, you'd likely dress well, or get yourself dolled up. But how many toy dolls haven't you seen wearing the most outrageously extravagant and tasteless outfits? Or with bizarre expressions on their faces? Paint yourself as a doll, literally all dolled up.25. The Early Bird Catches the Worm
You don't have to be a morning person to be an early bird, it's more about seeing an opportunity and making the most of it. Paint the worm an early bird might catch. I always see it as an earthworm, but there are other types of worms -- how about a featherduster worm for exotic? Or if worms make you squirmish, paint what the early bird looks like, or the late bird who missed the worm.26. Eat Like a Horse
Growing kids and teenagers often seem to be able to eat endless quantities of food, supposedly like a horse. Paint what a horse would eat served up on a plate or in dishes that humans use.27. Elbow Room
If you're painting on the kitchen table or in a corner in your living room you may lack space, or elbow room. Paint an interior scene of a room that's overstuffed with things, whether books, framed paintings, magazines, collectibles...28. Draw a Blank
To draw a blank is to fail to remember something or to not get a reaction from someone. Paint yourself about to start painting a blank canvas. Or paint a white-on-white subject, such as a white cat on a white background.29. Bone of Contention
Someone only wanting to pick from paintings that match the color of their sofa is a bone of contention, or point of serious disagreement, for many an artist. Paint what such a bone might look like, or a juicy bone your dog would enjoy.30. Get All Your Ducks in a Row
Image © Ben Killen Rosenberg / Getty Images
If you've got everything organized, you've got your ducks in a row. So, how many ducks are there in your row and what do they look like? A mallard with iridescent feathers or just a plain white duck with yellow beak?
