Speaking of your neglected old sketches, if you have a bunch of unfinished work why not collage it all together? That way you can share your old work but also make it new! A collage is a great thing to share and can be just the thing all of those separate pieces were missing in the first place. While you work, why not check out this collage-y music video from Dirt Farmer for a little encouragement.
Dirt Farmer - She Shakes from Oh Yeah Wow on Vimeo.
Of course, you can always let your inner abstract expressionist out and pull a Jackson Pollock. By dripping and splattering paint on to the canvas, you can create lush textured works which call to mind an abstract sort of landscape. And, depending on the colours you choose, your painting can be interpreted by the recipient in any number of ways! Plus you could even be all deep and tormented, saying something along the lines of "gravity is the only force acting upon my work" when questioned about its simplicity. However keep in mind that someone is going to be carrying this around on a bike, and as beautiful as a 9' x 17' reproduction would be, a smaller scale drip painting would be better appreciated.
Vimeo and YouTube also provide good platforms for relaxation and inspiration. Vimeo staff picks are always amazing, including works by digital artists, cinematographers and an inevitably fantastic stop motion music video or two. As for YouTube, one can always find interesting playlists and music videos to suit their fancy. Or even just something funny involving a cat on a roomba to get your mind off things. Does anyone else think of their best ideas when they aren't even trying?
For those of us who enjoy a graphic, cartoonish style of artwork there is always the world of anime to look to when in need of an idea or two. My all-time favourite opening sequence to any anime is this one from Arakawa Under the Bridge. It is wacky and confusing but somehow it always puts me in a good mood (and a creative one at that).
“Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make. Good. Art.” -Neil Gaiman
-al