Paint what you love

There is a lot of pressure in the art world to “find your style” and niche-down. To find that thing that makes your art yours, that makes your art stand out. It’s a pressure that limits creativity. It’s a pressure that inhibits creatives from exploring and experimenting. For years, I’ve been working to develop my style. I’ve found peace in knowing that if it’s by my hand, then it’s mine. It’s identifiable as my own because I made it. Yet, the pressure still exists.

When I find it creeping in, I push back immediately.

A few weeks ago, I saw myself holding back.

I have a process that marries all of my art together. I have a process that gives me a feeling of groundedness. I’m always exploring, how I can create something new, within my process. I always use the same mediums.

I lay a fluid paint foundation reminding myself I’m not in control, it’s about the process, not the end result.
I follow the movement of the fluid paints with soft pastel line work, to appeal to my a-type personality and bring structure to my work.
I apply heavy-bodied acrylic with a palette knife to create texture and bring my work to life.

I follow this process when painting my abstracts. I follow this process when painting my landscapes. I follow this process when painting my florals.

Even so— I limit myself.

A few weeks ago, I saw myself holding back— and a few weeks ago, I had an epiphany. I should paint more of what I love.

Abstracts are my happy place. Florals flow naturally out of me. But landscapes…landscapes are approachable. To the people who don’t understand abstracts…to the people who don’t connect with the heart and emotion that I pour out with free washes and scribbles.

I love being outside. But I don’t love my landscapes. I’m inspired by the world around me, but I don’t think I’m necessarily a landscape artist (this could change at any moment…)

So what do I love? I love bugs. I love cities. I love community. I love flowers. I love food. I love change. I love interior design. I love chairs. I love my husband. I love anatomy. I love dancing. I love sunshine. I love naps.

I should paint more of what I love.

So, welcome to the beginning of some exploration. I’m painting bugs.