Developing an Art Style

I have often been told that my range of ideas on canvas varies. There is always something new in my artworks every time. Many people also told me to develop my own style. I then wonder how to do that? I just paint whatever I want to express! How can I limit myself to a certain topic or colour etc.? After all art is a medium of expressions, of feelings. I decided to do a study.

In an artist’s style, there are usually defined characteristics, a specific means of handling a media, or repeated strategies that are constantly visible in every artwork. This takes time in developing. Style doesn’t develop overnight. It’s a gradual process that can take years to emerge. I think experimenting in different media and working fluidity in contrasting styles gives us growth. Everything comes out original inventive and beautiful. Forcing a commercial style that lack original spirit and enthusiasm looks generic and derivative. It might have worked for many artists who have been extremely successful with their styles. With due respect to them, I believe that even though we might find a style that works for us, it doesn’t mean that the creative process ends there. If we stick to that one style forever, we may as well be a trained monkey or a robot who can only do one trick or work.

Historically, the most compelling artists have been the ones who have been constantly reinventing and transforming themselves. Matisse went from oil paintings to paper cutouts at the end of his life. Degas switched from pastels and oils to figure sculpture. Even earlier works of Vangogh that have a completely different style are equally famous.

So I believe that we should allow our styles to develop naturally as we evolve as an artist. Attempts to force a style on ourselves will end up looking contrived and dishonest. And to tell you the truth, one should not develop particular theme only. Paint and create for yourself and if a style is emerging, good! If not then also good!

A very famous art collector in my city once remarked “I don’t need to really go and attend art exhibits of some artists as I already know what stuff would be exhibited there. There would be nothing new!” 🙂