What makes instantly recognizing a famous artist’s work a breeze? Why can we tell Van Gogh from Picasso in a second? It might be Picasso’s propensity to layer collages shaped geometrically or Van Gogh’s reliance on cross-hatching and underpainting techniques. Be that as it may, many artists try to recreate the same landmark artworks or creations that propel them to universality. Yet, simply adopting similar methods that pushed iconic artists to the zenith of popularity doesn’t seem to be the key to creating art that sends blood-rushing sensations in viewers’ stomachs for everyone.
All the world’s high-powered heavyweights carved out inimitable approaches to translate their musings into art. A lifetime of influences serves as the bedrock of your personal art style. But figuring out your artistic sense might feel like getting sidetracked in a honeyed world of double-bladed interpretations. So, what’s the starting point to finding your creative compass and eventually engaging with art that channels your inner voice and intention? Some would say that this quest is an equally thrilling and easy feat. Is that so?
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Go on visual art junkets
Just as you need to taste a few ice cream flavors to determine the one that makes you come around for more, you should expose yourself to the sea of art out there to put the styles you do or don’t like to one side. If you lack basic knowledge of what moves you, consider yourself a blank slate, starting to shape your way to your unique masterpiece.
Dive into art across various periods, regions, and cultures. The earliest perceptible artwork dates back to the second century, when Christianity was banned. On the other hand, contemporary artists attempt to reshape art as we know it. They also comment on impactful institutional and societal norms and structures.
As you may sense, there’s a world of art to explore before you can straight-up tell you’ve found the mind-altering one that hits your spot.
Where and how
We’ve concluded that structuring your style entails delving into others’ artworks first. Now, let’s reveal your potential entry points. Art lives everywhere, whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, bookstore, local museum, art magazine, Pinterest feed, and other outlets. Feast your eyes on the uniqueness of the key stream of modern art – abstract art – through the endless art you can buy online. If you find an online gallery that features various art types from high-powered artists worldwide, consider if it might be a keeper.
Suppose you come across a painting that catapults your imagination to unknown tips and your pulse to terrifying peaks; log it in your swipe file. Examine what exactly lures you; is it the subject matter? Could it be the textures and palette? Look into your preferences, for these inborn inclinations abound in indications that can lead your steps toward your unique style of art. And while you’re out and about, keep an eye out for the existing art around you.
There’s beauty that goes beyond the regular art standard in places you wouldn’t think of: cultural artifacts, street graffiti, architecture photography, fashion shows, and corporate branding. Inspiration stems from miraculous places, so commit to openness and collect eclectic influences that fascinate you. You may never know when something kindles your new breakthrough initiative.
Rise like a Phoenix
Suppose an art style has set your heart on fire some time ago. Maybe you’ve found the asymmetries in art nouveau stirring, minimalist palettes soothing, or shabby textures hypnotizing for as long as you know, only to find yourself slowly falling out of love with them lately. Instead of letting the change disconcert you, consider whether this is an opportunity for you to be reborn. Dare to expose yourself to art types that pique your interest, and narrow your focus after you’ve broadened your experience.
Without wanting, you may have overlooked an artwork that could’ve told you what the new style you love might be. People evolve, and so do tastes, fortunately. This continuous development allows you to experiment with new concepts and reinvent yourself continuously.
Identify your artistic strong suits
Once you’ve jumped headfirst into the sea of art, you should sense some patterns indicating what draws you. Some palettes, visual elements, textures, styles, etc. can speak volumes about your direction; always returning to them might be the green flag you need to determine whether you’re in the right place. For instance, if you’re hooked on daring geometrics, you might be into geometric abstraction more than you think. If you are captivated by street art, consider exploring graffiti.
Take mental notes of what makes your skin tickle—these ingredients speak volumes about the elements that align with your vision. Then, organize a brainstorming journal with examples and images that trigger sparks in you. Browsing and cataloging what specific point attracts you in your beloved artworks will assist you in defining the stylistic terrain that best suits your identity as an artist.
Some food for thought
Assuming you’ve curated a list of inspirations, it’s time you did some exercise that stimulates your brain. For instance, you can try combining styles in a breakthrough way, such as merging urban graffiti with art nouveau, bold pop art with impressionist paintings, or injecting abstract figures into surrealism—you get the point. Such extreme mashups can set your creative thinking free and short-circuit your anticipations.
Get a paper and committedly crayon these interesting combos. The point isn’t to achieve perfection on that paper – but to lay the groundwork for self-discovery and innovation.
The last prompt
Today’s ever-connecting realm presents an endless sea of external stimuli via interminable social media content and feeds. Exposing yourself to these hubs of creativity can effortlessly guide you in your sought-after direction. Noteworthy, these digital possibilities can also be the shortcut to imaginative destabilization and stagnation. References are good for your art, but you should equip yourself with ambition to stay away from digital dependency.
