The artists’ rituals and routines give us a glimpse into the mysterious mechanism of creativity. These daily habits, sometimes eccentric or even obsessive, help artists achieve the right state of mind for work in the studio.
For Ludwig van Beethoven, this meant meticulously counting exactly 60 coffee beans every morning before he began composing.
Every artist has their own way of seeking inspiration. Joan Miró, who struggled with depression throughout his life, would start his day with intense physical exercise, followed by work in the studio. Paula Rego worked from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., listening to opera in the morning and fado in the afternoon, and ending the day with a glass of champagne.
Pablo Picasso preferred a nocturnal schedule, working from afternoon until late at night. Picasso said that when he painted, he left his body “at the door,” as in a sacred ritual. Georgia O’Keeffe loved the morning quietness, waking up early to enjoy tea and watch the sunrise, then spending the rest of the day in her studio.
Henri Matisse followed a consistent schedule: work, lunch, siesta, and work again, even in his old age. Louise Bourgeois had a strict structure: she started the day with tea and jam, demanded complete silence, and dedicated the afternoon to drawing and sculpture.