Sometimes it seems like even though my mind wants to paint, my body hasn’t gotten the memo. Time passes and the dent in the sofa gets a little deeper, and the paper in the studio stays white and clean. Or I’ll make the effort to be present and available to paint, but none of my reference photos seem right, and all my ideas feel lackluster. I know I’m not alone; many artists have written me with the same lack of motivation. We’re feeling blocked.
Read MoreFor many years, my security as an artist came from painting realistic paintings. Being able to paint something identifiable, something that could be measured as skilled by anyone felt like the safest way to create good art.
I would often look at abstract art, simple, powerful paintings and wonder how the artist could be brave enough to present something so hard to identify. How did the artist know that way of painting was for them? How did they not feel bound to make art other people would understand?
I didn’t want to paint weird stuff, but I craved the freedom that the most innovative artists seemed to channel so effortlessly.
I used to feel a little self-deprecating about my status as a self-taught artist, but over the years I’ve realized that every artist is self-taught. If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that everyone can become their own favorite artist. Here’s how to find out what stage you’re in and what you can do next.
Read MoreThe question I get asked most frequently by growing artists is “How do I find my style?” I am never sure if I can offer an answer that satisfies, as what I’ve learned over the years is that we artists are often asking the wrong questions.
You can’t pick your style from a list. Your style is as instinctive and intrinsic to you as your own personality, and that’s actually a really good thing! When you learn how to listen to yourself and paint from that inner artist, you will start creating your deepest and most authentic work.
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