I now fully realize what the artists in my family meant when they said that travel is important for an artist.
I see that it is an expansion from the work in the studio.
I noticed that when I come to a different place I have absolutely different ideas on what to pain, what media to use. I think the inspiration comes from the place itself. That new place asks you to express itself through you.
So bottom line –
Travel, and travel a lot. Do not get settled in one place and work from there. Settling stops your growth. Pictures, however beautiful, are still a second hand look at the creation. Get the first hand. Express your experience. Of course you also improve your skill when you paint in plain air and this is a nice side-effect.