It happens to all artists. We look at other artists' work. We love what we see and then we start to compare our work to theirs. I try very very hard not to do this. I know comparison is the death of creativity. So, if I find myself comparing, I try and take a more analytical approach. I don't want to paint like the artists I admire but I do wonder "what do they have that I am missing in my art?".
So I looked at the Etsy shops of some of my favorite artists to see if I could figure out the quality or qualities these artists have that. I checked out Juliette Crane's, Mindy Lacefield's and Danita's. Each of these women have a very distinctive style and a consistent style. It doesn't matter what the subject matter is, you can look at any of these artists' work and know who the painter is. This was an "aha" moment and a "well duh" moment too. I can tell a Renoir from a Degas no matter what they painted. So, I looked at the work I have created over the past year. I can see some consistency in my work but I think my style changes when the subject matter changes.
These girl paintings have a similar look.
And so do these but, I'm not sure the style is similar to the ones above.
These animal paintings are similar in style but, do they go with the girl paintings?
And then I've been making this style of animal. I used collage and watercolor on these atcs. Do they go with my other paintings?
I'm still learning I suppose. Developing my style and finding out how I like to paint. I admit I'm still all over the place. Exploring art supplies and what I enjoy drawing. I love color and whimsy. I also love my serene girls. Ugh! I don't know. The only thing I can keep doing is paint, draw and paint and draw some more. The other thing that the artists I admire have in common is years of experience. They've been painting a long time and it likely took more than a year for them to find their style. Comparison isn't always a bad thing. It can help you be objective. You just can't get stuck in the "comparison mode". You have to move on and just paint.
I'm in the same boat. My art is all over the place without a singular recognizable style. I get so inspired by the art I see that I want to try out all these different styles until my own style emerges. I'm not there yet.
ReplyDeleteKeep creating and you will get there. I'm farther than I was a year ago. All we can do is keep growing.
Deletegreat post and true. The one thing that is helpful to note that if you dig back into the archives of any of the artists you love; you'll find their earliest work surprising and revealing. It's like pulling back the covers to discover that they each took that first step and kept taking it over and over again to build a body of work, every new painting becomes it's own first step no matter how many paintings you create, they will come into their own, in their own good time, all part of the process of growth and change. I think every creative person leaves their own imprint within their work regardless of where the inspiration comes from or who they may have been influenced by. It's how we learn and it's also that we all learn at different paces. I am always amazed at how quickly some of my art pals grasp the brass ring and run with effortlessly, while I'm like the turtle lagging behind the pack...but I've learned that is just me and to be ok with that. Your work is growing Lynda and I believe you are closer to 'your' mark than you might think. xxxoooxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie for your kind words. I find new things that interest me everyday and I also find myself reaching for the same favorite art supplies. I think being open to the new and trusting the process are important in art. Where I am right now is where I need to be.
DeleteTheodore Roosevelt said "Comparison is the thief of joy." I write often about comparison and expectations, because I feel they are very present in my creative life. Like you said, it happens to all artists, especially the ones who are still looking for their style and "voice". I'm on the same boat.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I make paintings that I feel have no connection with the other pieces I have made, but that's part of the process. We are finding out who we are as a painter/artist and what our message is. I think the most important thing is to keep doing it and do it often. Your girls and animals are colorful and bright; I especially like your foxes. :)
I definitely don't want any thieves stealing my joy! That's why I chose to be analytical about my comparing. I think it helped me not fall into a "woe is me" attitude. The foxes happened by accident and I just can't stop making them!
DeleteHi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog tonight and find it very inspirational.
I don't know your work very well yet, but i do see a constant line in the things you posted above.
I think we are often so critical of our own work, that we mostly see the inconsistencies and the odd ones out, whereas in the work of others we see what we like and the consistent style we long to have ourselves. Just keep creating and having fun doing it! (And then one day when you look back......):-)