When I was first starting to make my name as an artist in my community, it was interesting how frequently I had to turn down possible art jobs. I was painting landscapes and florals in watercolor, but I received requests for mural paintings, portraits, graphic design, children’s book illustration…a smorgasbord of variety! But I knew my limitations…
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.
Read More“Well, I guess I’m just not a loose painter.”
You’ve tried. You love the loose, intuitive style of watercolor artists like Jean Haines. You’ve followed tutorials and watched videos, but when you try to paint your own loose painting, you quickly fall into your usual habits. Detailed copywork of your reference photo, tight pencil sketches and muddy overworking seem to be an intrinsic part of your personal style, and you feel like it might just be the way it’s meant to be for you.
What style is for you? Can you choose your style, and when should you give up on pursuing the style you yearn to make your own?
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