[daryl]

Hey guys,

I just thought of bringing this up for discussion, I would gladly hear your own experiences in how you've found (if that is the case of course) your style that you feel suits you and the way you paint.

I don't feel like I've found mine. As I watch artists' websites the style seems rather consequent over his or her works. I think it is a good thing sticking to one you feel comfortable with, thus nische:ing yourself, and making you probably easier to place next to other artists. Personally I'm stuck between a painterly style and a style towards more realism, I just don't feel satisfied with sticking to one but this is what I aim for.

How do you feel about these things? What's obvious to me is that whenever I see inspiring work in either style I really want to paint that way, for the moment, but that makes me feel as if I just haven't found my style yet and my work becomes a bit more wannabe and less personal.

Thoughts?

Thanks
/D
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[Affected]

I guess the line between style and mannerism is pretty thin. Mostly I suspect people end up with a style without really aiming for it, and I'd suspect a lot of people wish they didn't have a style.

[Mikko K]

In my opinion, visual style is often more about what you do out of bad habit, not something you consciously go for. The people most concerned with style often have problems with the very basic drawing/value/color skills..

[Synnical]

interesting topic daryl, as I feel the same way towards my work...I do find that you have a pretty consistant style going on, and it looks promising.

I haven't been painting for long though, so I don't know if experience will eventually determine what style one is most comfortable with and suits his aesthetics...the consensus seems to be that it will, though I feel sometimes experience can make it hard for one to breakout from one particular style if he eventually finds that it wasn't the style he is most comfortable with.

I do find the subject matter tends to determine the style I use, or at least aim for. It's a subconscious thing and I don't notice beforehand. I guess a good way to put things in perspective is to take a look at your brainfart speedpaints and your pre-planned work - the former is the way your brain feels comfortable doing, and the later is the one you sub/consciously aim for. And you can probably find a balance between the two...

[daryl]

Thanks guys, it was an interesting read!

Mikko: I haven't thought about it that way, I reckon that could very much be true sometimes- artists staying within a comfort zone and paint much of the same subjects avoiding personal challenges.

Affected: Yeah people probably get tired of their own style, I suppose in one way style as recognition can be good, but in another where you can surprise the audience (when style isn't as obvious) that could be very positive too.

Synnical: I see your point, and I too feel that the subject can direct the style or finished look of a painting, for example between character and environment paintings.

Well, the summary for me is to stop worrying about it and just paint away. Thanks again!
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[Ian Jones]

I look at it in a couple of ways. It is nice to think that you have a style, feeling like your work has identity is satisfying. If it's quite original even better. Being style concious isn't a bad thing IMO, because it means you are probably quite concious of other styles. That is important because it means you are very observant, soaking up all that others have to offer in the form of inspiration. This will keep you exploring and adapting over time and blending together aspects which you find appealing.

[eyewoo]

Also, style is not just visual handling of the media, it can also be a consistency in content or viewpoint.
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[daadaa]

i guess im sorta new in this field.... but is it that essensial that you need your own style?? i dont know if i have a style, but when i just grab the pen i just draw to the way of how i feel at that time (prolly why i like to finish most of my paintings in one session )

ill have another question onto urs.... why do you "need" your own style?
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[ax--hv]

[Ian Jones]

Yes, I also think style is a combination of habits (not necessarily bad) which is fine as long as you don't rely on it as a crutch all the time. You should always be looking to work on your artistic limitations and keep things progressing, otherwise a crutch becomes a rut.

[ax--hv]

Well said. Keeping yourself versatile seems pretty important.

[Nag]

Yubb, well said Ian.

[Lunatique]

I've always felt like style was something that you sort of fall into as opposed to trying to achieve. There are plenty of styles out there I'd love to work in, but as much as I admire them, my own habits just don't add up to those styles, so I pretty much just work how I work. Sometimes clients do request I match a certain style, and if you have a strong enough foundation as an artist, you should be able to do that.

I think for me, it's more about taking what I like best about each style and then try to assimilate them into my own approach. Some things I admire but don't bother trying to assimilate because it's just so different from what I'm ultimately aiming for, and some things are compelling enough that I make an effort to change my habits so I can assimilate this new influence.

I do think it's a good thing to strive for a different approach if you've been doing one thing for too long--it keeps things fresh and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone.