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Finding your unique painting and drawing style is one of the most rewarding journeys an artist can embark upon. But this quest for self-expression is an illusive one that takes time and practice.
In this post, I explore practical steps to help you discover your artistic voice, develop your skills, and define your individual style.
Embrace Exploration and Experimentation
The first step in finding your own style is to embrace exploration. Don’t limit yourself to a single medium or technique. Instead, try a range of forms—such as oil, acrylic, charcoal, or pastels. Each medium brings out different aspects of your creativity. Artists who frequently switch materials can considerably increase their creativity.
Dive into various subjects too, from landscapes to portraits or abstract art. Remember, the goal isn’t to create a masterpiece right away but to understand how you respond to different materials and themes. Allow yourself to play and appreciate the process of discovery.
Look at your Favourite Artists
Take note of the artists and artworks that captivate you. What elements draw you in? Ask yourself if it’s the colour palette, brush strokes, textures, or subjects depicted. Analyse these aspects closely. For instance, if Vincent van Gogh’s bold colours inspire you, consider how you can incorporate similar hues into your own palette.
Document your observations in a note book. Not only does this sharpen your ability to articulate your preferences, but it also helps clarify what influences your own creations. I have images that inspire me dotted around the walls in my studio which boosts my creativity. Understanding your inspirations can provide clarity and direction as you develop your style.
Develop Technical Skills
Strong technical skills form the foundation of a distinctive painting and drawing style. Invest time in learning the basics—such as composition, colour theory, perspective, and anatomy. For example, understanding the rule of thirds can enhance your compositions dramatically.
Consider taking classes, watching online tutorials, or practicing regularly. Even dedicating just 30 minutes a day to practice can yield significant improvements over a few months. As you enhance your skills, translating your ideas onto the canvas will become easier.
Keep A Sketchbook
Maintaining a sketchbook can be transformative in your creative journey. Dedicate it to sketches, colour experiments, and personal reflections on your work. Use it to capture your artistic process, reflect on your growth, and document your evolving style.
Over time, your visual diary will become a treasure trove of insights. Looking back at your entries will help you recognize patterns, preferences, and ideas that resonate with you.
Embrace Mistakes
Mistakes are part of the creative process. View them as opportunities to learn rather than failures. All of us have left behind a few “disasters” that turned out to be crucial lessons. For example, many famous artists, like Pablo Picasso, initially created works that they later discarded or transformed.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and take risks, even if the outcome is different from what you envisioned. Understanding that creativity can be messy will help liberate you from the fear of imperfection.
Create Consistently
Consistency is critical to refining your artistic style. Set aside time to create regularly, whether it is painting, drawing, or doodling. Artists who dedicate at least 15 minutes a day to their craft are more likely to develop a recognisable voice in their work.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" - Pablo Picasso
Define Your Artistic Goals
What do you want to achieve as an artist? Setting specific, attainable goals can guide your creative journey. Whether your aim is to exhibit your work, develop a cohesive body of pieces, or publish a portfolio, having clear objectives will keep you focused.
With each new piece, assess your progress towards these goals. Use them as benchmarks to evaluate your development and adapt your approach as needed. A well-defined goal can increase productivity by 33%, according to recent studies.
Keep in mind that developing your own style takes time, and it's completely natural for an artist to evolve.
Have confidence in yourself and savour the journey :)
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