"Almost Winter"Oil on Panel
24 x 18"
2010
Fellow Colorado painter Dan Schultz posted a thoughtful blog today about developing one's style, and it got me thinking about my own style. I've only been painting landscapes for about six years now, so I've seen my style evolve pretty significantly as I improved my skills. Recently, I feel like my paintings have been getting more refined as I spend more time trying to get things right. I used to be all about thick paint everywhere and bold color. Now I'm more interested in the contrast between hard and soft edges, thick and thin paint, and the use of greys to make the important color notes pop.
Yet however my style has evolved, I feel as though my paintings still look like mine - they still have a bit of my own signature style. I guess it's a bit like handwriting, in that I can't really pinpoint the elusive quality that makes my paintings mine, and I don't spend much time thinking about it. It just IS.
What do you think about style? Do you think a lot about your personal style, or do you let it be?
Thanks for the provoking question. There have always been artists who inspire me, but as hard as I try, I will never paint "just like them". My work just IS. As I grow as an artist and my work improves, it parallels my maturity as a person. Like a fine wine! :)
ReplyDeletehi Stacey, i have just looked at your older posts and yes there is definately a change in style. for me it is this constant development and evolution that keeps me at the easel.
ReplyDeletethis is a beautiful piece and captures that spirit that is uniquely you.
Its been a long time since your last post and this is so lovely.I admire your paintings a lot! And the post is interesting as well!
ReplyDeleteWe all have our own individual style.The brush strokes are our very own just as our handwriting. We just need to develop it, refine it as you did :)
Yes, style is everything!
ReplyDeleteStyle can be broken down into inherent means of applying paint to the support, color choices, subjects, light, it is endless.
Style is critical as it is the means to build develop a signature and build your brand.
The above painting looks great!
Style is an interesting thing. I am a graphic designer by day and my paintings tend to be tight. I really like seeing other people's looseness and find myself wanting to paint looser. However, try as I might, by the end of every painting, it still is what it is. I've learned to accept my style for what it is. It keeps evolving as you say, the more i paint. Thanks for the post and also for showing the very nice painting.
ReplyDeleteRR
this is a really beautiful work .
ReplyDeleteI let me style play itself out as it. I figure it will change as my skill level does. Speaking of style, I love the square touch you gave the water areas of the foreground in this painting.
ReplyDeleteI think having your own style is something that evolves. I have meet so many artist that loose sleep over "finding their style'. I worry sometimes that my paintings don't have my style, but we are our worst critics. Many people seem to be able to point out my work, but i still am adapting and trying new things, but some how, my style shines through. I love this piece by the way. Your water techniques is amazing. The subtle hints of white in the creek along the left edge and the slight use of oranges, yellows and browns in the water is so effective. Great work.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, wonderful painting! Love how the water is both reflective and transparent, and how you minimally showed the detailed wisps of the grasses only when necessary.
ReplyDeleteI like your analogy to handwriting. We all learn as kids the 'correct' way to form letters, but in the end after a lifetime of evolution our individual preferences and creative flair make it our own.
I think the striving for personal style is what many of us do when we start a painting thinking, "I wonder what would happen if I ....". Some strive to create a likeness, some strive to fit self-imposed restrictions (palette, brushstrokes, medium, time limit, etc...). Maybe the ascent of your growth may depend on this.
I also think it may look different to our eyes than the eyes of others. You know, when you do something radically different to your hair and no one else notices? Because we're intimately involved in our work, changes that seem monumental to us may not be easily observed to others. Maybe that's why it's important to get others' feedback.
Style just happens naturally, but is tweakable with effort.
Well, I like your style and this painting.
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog and your work is very beautiful! I like the colors reflecting from the water. To look at this painting brings about a feeling of calmness. It's beautiful! I will be following - looking forward to seeing your next piece!
ReplyDeleteAngie Rea
Stacy - I've given you and award - stop on over to get it!
ReplyDeleteTo become keenly aware of your personal style - just try and change it. I find myself wanting to break through to a different level - a different feel to my work but everything keeps looking like it was painted by.... me! At this moment in time I am very frustrated by this.
ReplyDeleteBut I keep working at it - so I guess I'm saying that in my opinion each artists style is almost like DNA - you can work with it but it is what it is - yours.
Thanks for a very thought provoking post. I love your work and this painting is amazing.
I love how, while evolving, your work still remains yours. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI do think that your paintings look like 'you' - that they've all come from the same hand. I think that happens when you paint as much as you have. By the way, I have left a little 'gift' for you on my blog. (Hope the 'babies' are doing well and giving you much joy.)
ReplyDeletestacey,
ReplyDeleteyou certainly have found out a typical style...
amazing effects you create while you try to capture the nature in its full beauty.....
Our style is inherent in our personality. As distinctive as each one of us is, so is our style. Even if we try to copy other artist's style, there is noway we can do so completely, for each of us are totally different personages despite the similarity we usually possess in one way or another. As artists, I think that it is part of our strength to have the courage to let our natural selves show forth in our individual styles. Not doing so is a violation of who we are as true artists.
ReplyDeleteI have a great interest in canvas painting specially in landscapes and in which your work reflects most and which is very beautiful and amazing. could you please explain where do you get inspiration for painting all of this nicely?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteHey Stacey, nice of you to write about my post on style -- it was definitely interesting to think through the idea of style. Your description of how your style is changing is very similar to how I found my style changed -- my paintings became more and more refined. Now I find myself going back in the less refined direction. It's an interesting process to experience.
ReplyDeleteYour style is great and really thought provoking. This one is also really amazing one, the color combination is great looking so real.
ReplyDeleteWhatever your style is I love it. If I thought I could ever paint landscapes like this, then I would start today! Congratulations on your great year.
ReplyDeleteI think the best style an artist can have is to just be open to being themselves. Too many people these days are too conscious about being unique and different, and so much of it comes across as fake -- just a gimmick. I think your paintings are unique and individual because you allow yourself to respond to your subjects in a way that's natural for you.
ReplyDeleteMark Nesmith
http://paintdailytexas.blogspot.com
Beautiful painting, I really enjoyed looking through your painting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for info, i looked at your blogs all post are interesting
ReplyDeletethanks for great information and sweet post:)
ReplyDeleteCanvas Frames | Frames for Canvas | Inkjet Canvas | Stretcher Bars | Wooden canvas frames