This post is a little bit about how I found my own art style and developed it into the art you see today.
I took painting classes all through school but what I found was that you got taught how to think – your style had to be for the school marking schedule, to eventually look like everyone else’s work – otherwise it was wrong.
It wasn’t until I left school that I started testing different art styles and breaking down those conformed school ideas, that I could find my own style.
I went through many phases and wanted to share them with you today to show that it took years of experimenting. Years of exploring and playing, until I found a style that just…fit with me.
I remember when I was going through my ‘stages’, I’d be having fun doing them but the joy would fade. It wasn’t until I started using watercolour (I’d never used it before and am self taught) that something deep down inside me felt satisfied by the results. I felt a deeper connection with what I was doing. It felt like more than putting a paintbrush to paper. And this was when I realised I’d discovered my own art style.
To summarise!
- Analyse art books & see which interests you.
- Start painting different styles of art. Try landscapes, abstract, portraits… and explore different mediums to find your faves – oil, charcoal, collages, watercolour, acrylic – there’s so many!
- Have a goal in mind for each phase. For example I’d create a certain number of pieces or have a time frame in which I’d test the style.
- Have fun! The more barriers you break down while exploring, the more likely you are to find a style of your own.
Keep going until you feel a connection with a style. You’ll know when you’ve found it! Every part of you will feel a love for what you’re doing.
And if you need any help along the way – I’d love to hear your questions or queries,