What is my unique artistic style? I wonder…
When I first started to paint frequently a few years back, I simply drew and painted what I liked.
I drew line drawings of flowers, foods and some everyday objects.
I painted loose watercolor florals (because they are oh so popular).
The idea of having an artistic style had not ever crossed my mind.
My interpretation of ‘style’ was: loose watercolor style, doodle style, realistic style, whimsical style, and so on. These are mainly illustration styles.
I had never been concerned about my artistic style, or if I have one at all.
Eventually I understood and became aware that every artist has his or her unique style, be it in watercolor paintings, digital illustrations or surface patterns.
There are recognizable qualities and traits in their work that make it stand out from someone else’s work. You can identify the artist behind the work as soon as you see it.
So I started to ask myself: Do I have an artistic style? What is my style? How do I develop my style? Do I really, really need to have one?
WHAT is style?
Honestly, I’ve been struggling with ‘finding’ my style.
I often hear that (I believe you, too), in order to find or develop your artistic style, you have to draw or paint a lot. Frequently. Every day.
Truth to be told, I’m not a prolific painter. I used to paint small, simple pieces almost every day when I first got started.
Nowadays, I normally spend days on just one painting, due to the larger and more complex composition, as well as more techniques required.
And, I’ve also been asking myself: Is it possible to attach a style to realistic botanical illustrations?
Shouldn’t it be enough that the illustrations look realistic? Can people discern between two realistic watercolor apples painted by two different artists?
The answer is, yes. People can. Because the artists’ style is already embedded in their work over the years.
For example, I would be able to tell apart between the two apples painted by Anna Mason and Billy Showell (two of my favorite botanical artists).
Why? Because the way they apply their brush strokes is different. The way they approach a piece of work is different. The way they construct their art composition is different.
I have watercolor guide books from both the artists (listed below). Even if you don’t read or follow their step-by-step explanations, you can already note the differences based on the pictures of their art.
Simply put, your artistic style can encompass several things, including:
The subjects that you always paint.
The medium and techniques you use.
The color palettes you always include in your work.
The mood or ambience you wish to convey.
The stories you want to tell (your artistic voice!).
Most importantly, when you paint in a way that is aligned with your artistic style (even though you may not realize yet), you feel joy, creative, productive. You find yourself in a flow state.
What about me?
I can’t say I have developed a style over these short few years (probably lack of daily practice!), but along the way I noticed a few things about my work and how I paint.
I love to draw and paint botanical subjects: flowers, leaves, fruits, vegetables. My artwork in the recent years are all inspired by botanicals. I’m not keen to paint landscapes, still objects, animals, humans…. but it doesn’t mean I won’t do that in the future. Just not now.
I like a clean background in my paintings. No paint, just the original surface of the watercolor paper. And just let the main subject stand out.
I tend to use wet-on-dry technique, and I like to blend paint on paper, almost like using colored pencils.
I almost always paint red/pink flowers (may be because I’m living in a tropical country and the flowers tend to be in those colors?)
I believe, in time, with more practice, these traits would become more distinct in my work while new ones might emerge. All these will help to shape my artistic style.
And I will learn to embrace whatever style that I’m in at different stages of my creative practice.
****************
So, if you’re wondering about your own artistic style, all I can say is: let it be an explorative journey.
When you are drawing or painting, ask questions like:
Do I like the subject matter that I’m painting?
Do I like these color choices?
Do I feel comfortable using this technique?
Is there a message I’m trying to convey?
Am I feeling happy and creative?
And let the answers guide you to your next piece of art practice and beyond. Eventually, one day you’ll find a style that belongs to you.
*This post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you make a purchase through the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
