Developing Artistic Style: Self-Reflection and Growth

My friend, artist Jane Gavaghen, says developing your artistic style is about "being findable." I love that for a couple of reasons. It captures the essence of evolving an artistic style by emphasizing both active engagement and the willingness to embrace inspiration when it comes. As professional artists will tell you, waiting for inspiration alone can be fruitless. Instead, it's about entering your studio and taking action, whether it's applying paint on a canvas or making marks on paper. Here are some ways to engage in finding your artistic style:

©Pamela Hirsch, A Sudden Wonder. Oil and cold wax, size (20 x 20 x 1.5 inches). Sold.

Self-reflection

To develop your voice, you must identify the messages and emotions you want to convey through your art. Self-reflection involves tapping into your own experiences, feelings, and perspectives. Discovering your motifs or preferred subject matter is also part of this process. Journaling and mind mapping can be valuable tools for self-exploration, allowing you to translate your ideas and responses into visual form.

Artistic Influences

Studying the works of both historical and contemporary artists can provide valuable insights and inspiration. It's not about copying their styles but identifying what aspects of their work resonate with you. The book "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon explores this concept and offers an enjoyable read on the subject.

Skill Development 

When I first began studying with my friend and mentor, Deborah Paris, she told me that you needed a lot of "brush mileage" to improve at making art. I can be pretty literal sometimes, and at first, I thought she was speaking only of learning how to use my brushes. But it's so much more than brushes. Arguably, it's more than just a technical skillset, but that's another blog post.

But brush mileage does encompass skill development. And that helps you learn how to manipulate your chosen medium to better convey your feelings and response to your desired motif.

Experimentation

Don't shy away from experimentation! Why? Because trying new approaches, materials, and unconventional methods can lead to breakthroughs and the discovery of new artistic elements that can contribute to the development of your style. I've found that using something other than a brush helps me be less fussy.

Iteration and Reflection 

Developing your style is an iterative process that involves creating a substantial body of work. Some may not be your best, but reviewing and reflecting on your art—the good and the not-so-good—allows you to identify recurring themes, visual motifs, and emerging characteristics. This ongoing reflection helps refine and evolve your style over time.

Consistency and Cohesion

While your artistic style may evolve, aiming for consistency and cohesion in your body of work is essential. Look for visual or conceptual elements that tie your pieces together, such as a recurring color palette, subject matter, or mood. This helps create a recognizable and distinctive style.

Feedback and Critique 

Seeking constructive criticism from trusted, knowledgeable sources about art can be valuable. They can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your style further. Remember that family and friends may not always provide the most objective feedback. For example, my dad always suggests that I add a person to my landscapes. Uh, no.

Discernment 

Developing your artistic style involves a process of discernment. It takes time and creating a substantial body of work (brush mileage) to understand what feels authentically "you." As you sit with your art pieces, you'll begin to know if they truly reflect your style. It's akin to trying different lenses during an eye exam and gradually recognizing what works best for you.

Developing your artistic style is a personal journey that requires patience, exploration, and self-discovery. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and let your unique style emerge organically.