Found Your Style without Noticing It?
I was about 15 years old when I created this underwater scene. It was made at school, and I remember that we were told to draw fishes. Already showing a romantic character, I had to add the treasure chest too!
It is surprising to realize that even if tens of years have gone by and life has changed tremendously, my creations still look the same. Someone could even find it a bit ironic: no development has happened during all those years!
Have you saved any of the drawings that you made as a child? Have you ever compared them to what you create nowadays?
Back then, it never came to my mind that I had discovered my style. On the contrary: when I grew up I lost the grip of the treasure chest. It took tens of years to get back on track. Or better said: To let go and go with the flow. Those things are just easier for a child than for an adult.
The fact is that the more serious you are, the fewer opportunities you will give to your creativity. The more the days go by without playing, the less likely your imagination will guide you.
I believe that instead of thinking about single projects and their success, it is good to think about continuity. Some day you will be astonished how full your treasure chest is and even better: how your imagination has added value to your art or craft.
Save and cherish what you make. Within time you can create treasured collections of your work.
Plus it is good to remember that there are wonderful opportunities to create printed products from your art, for example, Society6 art prints and accessories, Spoonflower fabrics and Moo.com postcards.
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Wait till the Painting is Finished
What’s the definition of art? For me, art happens when something unexpected is allowed to step into the creative process. Today’s story begins with the watercolor background that I painted without further thinking. Just had some fun with my favorite media. Watercolors are so easy, light and forgiving!
After the background had dried, I decided to increase the color intensity in some spots with color pencils. I did not mean to start doodling but those pencils spoke to me: “Come on, let us dance a little”. How could I say no!
At some point, I got deeper into my thoughts. I saw something happening in the painting.
The strokes of acrylic paint shortened. Some collage papers were added. The smaller the area I worked, the clearer the big picture looked. That phase was so exciting! Like opening the door and getting ready for the view.
Style Change
Once the painting was finished, I heard my own comment: “You’ve been there before. The colors, the atmosphere – nothing new here! Get your greys and paint it over!” And then, louder: “Jump, JUMP!” And while my left brain cried and right brain celebrated, I mixed the greys and painted how I felt and what I longed for.
I could have stopped at any phase and declare the painting finished. But after jumping from cliff to cliff I found something new: the beauty of blacks, the simplicity behind the decorative style! So, my advice is: when you think about tossing that art journal page or craft project, don’t do that. Step towards the unexpected and let art reveal what you have escaped from!
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