Artist diaries: Learning to accept inspiration as it comes
Inspiration is something that Morgan Goodwin jumps at whenever it shows itself, and creating on the canvas then becomes like putting together a puzzle.
Photography: Shelby Nicole Photography
Hello, who are you?
Hi there! My name is Morgan Goodwin. I’m the wife of a dimple-donning hunk, a mother of two precious little girls, and rose-coloured bubble dweller. I’m also a painter of botanicals, figures and brightly-coloured abstracts. I live and paint out of my 1920s craftsman home in New Braunfels, Texas. My work is often described as warm, eclectic, layered, vivid and free-spirited.
When did you start your creative journey?
Creating has flowed very naturally from my fingertips since childhood. In elementary school my mother enrolled my brother and me in oil painting classes with a petite nun at the nearby convent. What started as a way to fill time and fight adolescent boredom, actually resulted in kindling a little spark. It was my first immersion into the world of painting and one I felt deeply connected with. I can still recall the smells of that dark little art studio.
From that point on, my heart had a need to create and my parents lovingly encouraged me to explore those talents. It wasn’t until much later in life that I felt called to pursue my passion as more than just a hobby. After meeting my saint-of-a-husband and giving birth to both my girls, my desire intensified and I embarked on a mission to do what ignited the biggest fire in my heart: paint.
Photography: Shelby Nicole Photography
Photography: Shelby Nicole Photography
“I embarked on a mission to do what ignited the biggest fire in my heart: paint.”
At home with Texas-based artist Morgan Goodwin
What inspires your work?
My work is heavily inspired by beautiful blooms and plants often found at botanical gardens, as well as the bohemian woman. Our home is filled with fiddle figs, staghorns, monsteras, orchids and the sweetest smelling herbs.
We’re also a big supporter and admirer of the female figure. It’s not uncommon to discover a nude sketch we find beautiful displayed candidly. I think it’s imperative my girls grow up appreciating their bodies and not being afraid to follow their dreams. If my art can inspire them and/or others to do the same, then I’ve certainly accomplished a very big goal of mine.
What is your ‘why’?
Painting has always been and will always be my greatest love-language. It is a talent I feel very blessed to have been given and one I intend to stay true to. Art is so very personal and can quickly render a person speechless or provide them with immense emotion. I’ve had those wonderful experiences and want to create works that will inspire others and provide them with something they feel connected to.
“I am a big believer in answering when inspiration calls before it decides to move on to someone else.”
Photography: Shelby Nicole Photography
How do your paintings form? Are they planned before you pick up the paintbrush, or do they evolve naturally?
The majority of my painting is designed cerebrally, usually late at night when I should be sleeping. I might scroll past an image and find the colours or patterns intriguing and start building and layering a visual inspiration board. It sort of feels like piecing together a puzzle. I’m a big believer in answering when inspiration calls before it decides to move on to someone else who will heed its invitation. I’ve found my greatest works have come from a place of complete ease, when I’m not intent on creating utter magic and am simply painting to feel the brush move across a canvas.
What is your favourite medium to work with?
I paint using acrylics and love to add finishing touches with oil crayons. Acrylics give me the ability to work quickly and come in handy with two little ones running around. My eldest very much likes to participate and acrylics make that possible. And I love the added texture that oil crayons bring.
Photography: Shelby Nicole Photography
Photography: Shelby Nicole Photography
“I’ve found my greatest works have come from a place of complete ease, when I’m not intent on creating utter magic and am simply painting to feel the brush move across a canvas.”
If you were to pick one artwork you've created as your favourite, which would it be?
My latest favourite is a dark abstract interpretation of a staghorn. I was skimming past an artist I admire who worked with dark colours and stripes and was immediately intrigued. Quirky paintings featuring deep hues are my favourite. Those intense colours also happen to be a challenge for me when it comes to painting so it’s not an avenue I take regularly. That piece felt like a pretty big victory.
Texas, United States
