While some people are most productive in the morning, others thrive at night. These variations could be related to a delayed circadian rhythm, which impacts melatonin levels, body temperature, and sleep patterns. Here’s how staying up late has influenced groundbreaking artists and what you can learn from their practices.
Night-time frequently provides a less interrupted environment, fostering a creative focus. The calmness enables artists to immerse themselves deeply in their work without daytime distractions. Research suggests that working while fatigued can actually enhance creativity, as the brain processes information differently in the late hours, leading to novel connections and insights. This shift in consciousness can reveal fresh perspectives that might not emerge during the more structured daytime.
Vincent van Gogh’s nocturnal work habits are well-documented, with iconic pieces such as ‘Starry Night’ emerging from his late-night vigils. Van Gogh often found inspiration in the night sky, dedicating hours to painting under the cover of darkness. His deep connection with the night, explored during these solitary hours, allowed him to capture the ethereal beauty of the night sky in his work. This intense focus on nocturnal themes reveals how late-night creativity can lead to profound and groundbreaking artistic achievements. Van Gogh’s night-time sessions not only reflect his personal struggles but also highlight the power of working in the quiet, contemplative hours to produce some of art’s most enduring masterpieces.
Louise Bourgeois, known for her emotionally charged sculptures and installations, frequently worked late into the night. The solitude and quiet allowed her to delve deeply into her subconscious, producing art that reflected her inner world.
French painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec produced his début poster for the Moulin Rouge late at night, which made him instantly famous. In late 1891, around 3,000 copies were posted around Paris, drawing large crowds to the cabaret. He continued to produce innovative and successful lithographs for the Moulin Rouge and other venues, capturing the vibrant Parisian nightlife with a keen eye. To depict this world, Toulouse-Lautrec spent nights sketching at brothels and cabarets. His fondness for alcohol was notorious, particularly his obsession with American cocktails, including his own creation, 'The Earthquake'. Despite his heavy drinking, he still managed to print lithographs early each morning. His excessive alcohol use and minimal sleep ultimately led to his early death at 36, likely due to syphilis and alcoholism.
Canadian-American painter Philip Guston also produced work during late-night sessions. They allowed him to explore new techniques and themes in his paintings. His nocturnal habits contributed to the development of his distinctive style, characterised by bold, abstract forms and vivid colours.
After Jackson Pollock’s death in a 1956 car crash, Lee Krasner was left to manage his estate, which left her anxious and unable to sleep. She eventually turned her sleeplessness into art, noting, "I got tired of fighting insomnia and tried to paint instead." Painting under artificial light, Krasner’s work shifted from bright fuchsias and greens to earthy browns and whites, resulting in what’s known as her 'Umber Paintings' or 'Night Journeys.' These pieces, noted for their restless energy, mark a significant development in her artistic style.
Well-known Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso would begin working around 2pm, take a dinner break, and then return to his studio around 10pm, working until 4/5am, as noted by biographer John Richardson. This pattern continued throughout his life, with Picasso averaging three artworks daily. On his last day, he dined with friends, painted until 3am and passed away the following morning.
Joseph Cornell, known for his intricate, box-like assemblages, often worked late into the night, allowing his imagination to wander freely. In the 1920s and ’30s, he worked a series of 9-to-5 jobs in Manhattan. Each evening, he returned to his family home in Queens and waited until his mother and younger brother were asleep before starting his work. 
Artistic couple, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, started their days around 10 or 11am, working in their shared studio in Manhattan. They would take breaks only for dinner or an occasional movie. Willem, who was reluctant to stop painting, often continued while Elaine went out. Elaine’s sister, Marjorie Luyckx, remembered seeing Willem working late into the night, dressed in his hat and coat due to the studio’s heating being turned off. When faced with a challenging painting, Willem would roam Manhattan’s streets all night.
If you’re wanting to personally harness some night-time creativity, we suggest:
- Creating a comfortable space and designating a specific area for late-night work that encourages relaxation and focus. Ensure it’s well-equipped and conducive to long periods of creativity.
- Embracing flexibility by adjusting your schedule to fit your natural creative rhythms, even if it means working outside conventional hours.
- Staying healthy by balancing late-night creativity with good sleep hygiene to maintain overall well-being. It’s important to ensure that night-time work does not compromise your health.
Staying up late has been more than just a habit for these artists; it’s a deliberate strategy for unlocking their creativity and producing extraordinary work.
If you're keen to explore more artists creating in the stillness of night, continue with Rebecca Holmes' psychologically rich print work. Through charcoal, ink and photography, she portrays nature as a dynamic, ever-changing event.
Take a look at Rebecca's full collection online or stop by the gallery to see her work up close. We’re open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
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