Creating Your Own Artistic Style: A Journey of Self-Expression

How do I know what to paint? Or, how can I approach this in my own way? How in the world do I add my own flair to the perfectly rendered subject? How do I now create with that same reckless abandon and the joy that I had once upon a time?  How do I make it feel like me? 

If you are asking these same questions, you're in the perfect place, my friend :)  The quick answer is, the answer is already inside of YOU! Simple right?

It really is that simple, but asking ourselves the RIGHT questions to get to those answers takes some introspection, time, and practice (I know, I know, practice is ALWAYS the answer). 

I cannot tell you what will feel like you.

I don't think any single person or teacher in the world could do that for you. I only know what feels like me.

I can, however, help you with the questions that have assisted me over the years that you will need to answer for yourself, along with the techniques to get you exploring and discovering a multitude of creative pieces to pull from.

Rather have a fast and easy way to get straight to the point and a cheat sheet to take you there? Check out my free guide on how to Kickstart your Artistic Style - 5 easy and actionable steps to build your confidence and quickly develop your style with bliss! 

Writing Prompts to Uncover Your Style: The Questions! 

As a person: 

• What is a subject you could never tire of talking about and why do you love talking about it to begin with? 
• What subject do you know the most about? This is something you've gravitated towards learning throughout your lifetime?
• If you had a massive stage and only 5 minutes of time, what would your message to the world be? 

Why you create, and/or are an artist, and all those other "why" answers will guide everything you do in your art, from choosing what to create, to the colors, composition, how you apply paint, and how you relay your finished piece to the world.

 As an Artist: 

• Describe your earliest memory of creating art. What feelings did it evoke in you? 
• Write about a recent artistic project that felt especially fulfilling. What elements of your style became apparent in that work?
• Imagine your ideal art studio. What does it look like, and how does it reflect your artistic vision?
• If you could only create one more painting ever in your life, what would it be? 

Techniques to Cultivate Your Artistic Style

There's no getting around experimentation and play when developing your artistic style. But, this is a super fun process and one I highly recommend doing in a sketchbook! No. Holds. Barred! Just get in there and be curious! 

Here are some actionable techniques to help you try different ways of exploring. I promise if you do this the result will be transformative!

1. Explore Various Mediums and Techniques

Experimenting with different mediums and combining those mediums in a wide variety of techniques allows you to discover new things and most importantly what resonates with you the most. Try using charcoal over acrylic or a watercolor pencil with an acrylic marker. Curiosity of what happens here is all that matters! 

Do you like it Yes or No?

2. Try a new medium each day for a week.

Really push the limits of each medium. Add water, use your fingers, make random marks, and subtract out of it. What all can it do?

Do you enjoy using it Yes or No? 

3. Study Artists who's work you admire.

Analyzing the works of artists you admire can provide insight into various stylistic elements and techniques. However, it’s vital to find a balance between inspiration and imitation.

Analysis Exercises:

• Select an artist and study their body of work, noting elements that resonate with you.
• Create a piece inspired by their style but infuse your own interpretation.
• Write about what specifically attracts you to their work and how you can incorporate those elements into your art.

Color Palette of the Month: Rainbow

Why a Rainbow Color Palette?

The rainbow color palette not only symbolizes inclusivity and diversity but also offers a vibrancy without worry to experiment with. This can be incredibly inspiring when your'e looking to break free from traditional constraints!

Sketchbook Challenges

1. Create a series of sketches using only one color from the rainbow per day.
2. Design a piece that incorporates all the colors of the rainbow in a harmonious way.
3. Experiment with contrasting colors from the rainbow to create a dynamic composition.

JOIN ME LIVE 11/18 at 12pm EST as we explore using all of the colors of the rainbow and balancing it with neutrals to create a stunning piece with a super fun subtractive technique in our Artist's Facebook Group "The Artist's Journey - Imagine, Learn, and Create!" 

Not a member? No worries, just click the link above to jump in free!