Finding new inspiration for your artwork can sometimes be a frustrating task. Usually it’s just a matter of getting into the right mindset, taking a look at your surroundings, and using the many tools available to us.

In this case, let’s take a look at the satellite photography available from Google Maps. The earth, when seen from space, contains some exceedingly beautiful imagery, both man-made and natural. Such inspiration can be utilized in many ways including texturing, colors, digital brushes, patterns, and so on. The potential for inspiration is nearly limitless.

The above example is a desert landscape from Libya. Here are a few more inspiring locations to get you started:

• Africa is generally interesting to look at. More colorful desert scenes here and here.
• Mountains such as Kilimanjaro.
• Hundreds of swirling rivers and icy, cold lakes in northern Russia produce some pretty sweet patterns.
• Farmlands tend to look like pixel-art and image artifacts from space.
• Once you’re done scrolling around the entire Earth, you can head over to the moon or Mars.
• Still want more? Check out the aerial photography of David Maisel.

Have any other creative ideas for inspiration? Post about it here or drop us a line!