How to Find the Right Language for Your Poem and Paint with Your Words

Do you want to find the right words for your poem? We’re here to inspire you with some tips on painting striking pictures with your verses! Poetry is a beloved art form, and just like a painter approaches a blank canvas, a poet faces an empty page with infinite possibilities. Each verse is a masterful stroke of the brush, creating meaning and giving your audience a snapshot of what you’re trying to express. Choosing the correct language for your poem is a technical skill that you can practise, and we have some approaches you can use to make it easier for you. If you want to write poetry, you already have the instinct of an artist, and it’s time to explore this talent!

Writing a Poem Makes You an Artist!

Art is difficult to define because there is a philosophical question behind what sets art apart from everything else. Most people agree that art requires expressing an experience or concept through a creation. While painting is the first form that comes to mind, art also exists in music, dance, photography, film, theatre, sculpting, architecture, and even mixed media. Then, there is writing – which includes poetry. Just as every painter develops their own style, every poet discovers their personal voice. Let’s carry this painting metaphor further to show you just how expressive a poem can be and how to ensure you pick the right words for yours.

Take the Time to Prepare Your Canvas

Before an artist starts painting, they prepare their canvas by priming it, sketching an outline, and envisioning their composition. Poets must do the same. One of the most important tips for writing a poem is to take a moment to sit with your ideas. What do you want to express most? What emotion, story, or image do you want to bring to life? You don’t have to know every detail before you begin, but setting an intention helps guide your word choices. This is your planning phase, so jot down a few ideas and any concepts that jump out at you while you’re brainstorming.

Choose Your Palette to Set the Tone

A painter selects colours based on the mood of their work – shades like warm reds and oranges for passion or cool blues and soft greens for calmness. As a poet, you can also set the tone of your piece, which you can decide on before you start. Bright, simple concepts can create a feeling of joyful innocence. Darker, more textured language might convey more complex emotions. The palette you choose will affect how your audience understands your poem.

Your Verses Are Your Brushstrokes

Each phrase in your poem is like a brushstroke that adds more depth to the final piece. Some words are bold, making a strong impact, while others are softer, creating gentle echoes of meaning. Be intentional with the words you choose, and don’t worry about perfection because you can always fix anything that isn’t working later.

Different Shades and Subtleties of Meaning

A single colour has countless shades, just as a single idea can be expressed in many ways. Compare baby blue and navy blue – they instantly “feel” different when looking at them, though they are both blue. The same can be said for words. “Sad” and “mournful” are in the same category of emotion, but both have very different meanings. These slight shifts in language change the deeper essence of your poem, making it more accurate to what you’re trying to express. When writing, ask yourself: Does this word capture what I truly mean? Is there a term that feels more honest than this one? Small adjustments can make a big impact!

Come Back for Details and Refinements

Even the greatest painters take a step back from their work, studying it from a distance before adding any final touches. Poetry is really no different. Once you’ve written your first draft, take a break. Return with fresh eyes and listen to your poem aloud. Look for words that don’t fit or lines that feel strange or out of place. Editing is where a poem finds its sharpest focus.

Just like looking at art can inspire painters, reading a poem can do the same for writers. The AVBOB Poetry Project library is like an art museum you can walk through and experience for yourself, gaining inspiration at every turn. Want to know more about our competition? Feel free to ask us any questions you have right now.