Pondering About Art Styles
I have done so much art this past week. More than I’ve done in a very long time. I got this surge of wanting to do nothing but art. But I find myself at a stump. I feel something coming, like a shift in what I’m doing. Maybe pushing me to a new dimension. But right now I’m not satisfied with anything I’ve done. And yet, I can’t stop!
For the first time ever, I took an online art course. I took Traci Bautista’s monotypes and drizzles class. It was great to inspire me and get me to doing something each time we got a lesson. But I have to admit that I didn’t learn a lot for the amount of money I paid. I had hoped to get a lot of new ideas and techniques, which I didn’t, but as I said, it was good to inspire me just to make art.
I also, for the first time, looked at a lot of videos by various mixed media artists like Millande, Willowsong and Suzy Blu. I am so impressed that they a) know how to make a video and b) are willing to share their process with everyone. Millande, especially, was very inspiring to me. But the thing I noticed about all of them is that they draw a lot. I can’t draw. Well, I can but only in pencil and only certain things and only when I work and work at it. It’s not something I can just do quickly on a canvas like they do.
It seems that successful mixed media artists have a very distinct style. Claudine Hellmuth – poppet people; Kelly Rae Roberts – girls with big skirts and tilted heads; Traci Bautista – graffiti like, multilayered paintings. I have my own style, in a sense, but I have several styles. I like the simplicity of dresses done in only two or three soft colors with lots of texture. I also like bold colors with lots of smudging and messiness. And I do a lot with neutral colors accented with dark browns and blacks. So, I wonder do these artists really only do the one style? Or do they only market one style so that’s all we see?
I’m wondering if a “real” artist has such a distinct style that all their work is very recognizable. If so, maybe I’m not a real artist. Maybe as I continue to create, my styles will merge into one unique style. In the meantime, I’m going to continue to paint and glue and play – creating what I’m inspired to create.
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:37 am
Hi Zura,
Yet again I come straight to you whenever I finish up Uni for the summer! I follow you constantly, yet never seem to have the time to stop and say hello. So here is a thousands “hellos” for all the times I missed! (And from sunny Scotland, too, which makes a change)
Regarding Art styles….I find getting caught up in one particular style is very limiting. I like to change and explore new ways and colours. However, I understand the need for having an “identifiable” style if you are going to sell your work – but then….doesn’t that mean that people will buy because of the person, and not necessarily due to the fact its a beautiful image? I don’t imagine I will ever be at that stage, because I am hoping to pursue art therapy, rather than be “an artist”. I just take pleasure in creating an image, and hopefully enabling others to express themselves in whichever way they see fit. To me, art should be a relaxing happy experience….and although I too follow Milliande, Willowing, and Suzi Blu, I find – especially with Suzi, that (although her work is lovely), its become very much a business, and therefore a responsibilty to produce work, whether she wants to or not. Obviously thats a path she has chosen, and I really wish her all the success…..but to me, Zura, YOU are a real artist, because you play, and explore, and enjoy everything you do.
Love Claire x
May 27th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Claire, I am so happy that you dropped in and left a comment. It is great to see you!
I really do appreciate your message. I don’t like it when I think I “have” to create something for a customer to buy. That – for me – takes away the real art that comes from within. If I can sell something I’ve made from a sincere place, then that’s wonderful, but I dont’ want to have to do that.
Since I wrote this post, I’ve been realizing just what you said, that artists probably showcase works in a certain style. But that doesn’t mean it’s all that they do.
So, I will continue to make what I make and enjoy the process!