"If you want to be original, get ready to be copied." - Coco Chanel
Alvaro Castagnet, Joseph Zbukvic, and Liu Yi.
What makes these watercolorists special?
Why do they stand out among hundreds or even thousands of watercolor artists?
It's because they possess their own distinctive style in the medium, a quality that is both obvious and rare.
There is likely a crowd trying to imitate these artists in various ways, with some even achieving a bit of success. But at the end of the day, it is this unique, signature style that distinguishes the "good" from the "great."
So, the question is, "How do I develop my own style?"
This process is largely subconscious, but there are conscious habits you can cultivate to help you develop a unique style more quickly.
Based on my experience with Art, especially watercolors, here are seven steps to guide you on your journey toward developing your own signature style:
Observe, but don’t imitate:
With easy access to the internet, many people sign up for online courses, read books, and follow master artists on social media. This is great and something we should all do. However, when you start imitating these artists, you lose your way. Classes, courses, and tips should be taken as guidelines, not as blueprints for imitation. Understand techniques to know how effects are achieved, but avoid copying the exact process. Otherwise, you'll get lost in the crowd.
Look for your own twist:
Whenever you paint, try to add your own flair. Forget about criticism; paint for yourself. Be "you" instead of mimicking someone else. With time, your unique strokes will emerge.
Practice more often:
Practice is a crucial, ongoing step in shaping your art style. The more you practice, the more opportunities you give yourself to experiment, be brave, and improvise. Consider keeping a travel journal with you, painting whatever you see or feel. This personal sketchbook, not necessarily meant for public display, will contribute significantly to developing your style.
Innovate:
Innovate not just in your art but in your approach to being an artist. Discover your preferred palette, choose your own tools, and make your own travel kit. These personal choices will naturally reflect in your work, showcasing something fresh and new.
Master one thing:
There's a saying, "If you chase two (or multiple) hares, you will catch neither." Focus on perfecting one style at a time instead of dabbling in multiple styles. Polish what you know to stand out as special and unique.
Embrace your mistakes:
Mistakes can be blessings in disguise, especially in watercolor painting. Many artists achieve great results from their mistakes. These errors help shape your style, as an error-free painting experience is a myth.
Be open to the unconventional:
Explore unconventional styles and step out of your comfort zone. This will help you differentiate your work, making it fresh and unique. A conservative approach will only lead to boring, derivative work.
These tips are general guidelines to help you start your journey toward developing your own style. Ultimately, you'll discover your own methods and approaches once you understand the importance of standing out in the world of watercolor painting.
Thanks for sharing…good tips! Learn the techniques and make your own rules.