T H E M AG I C FO R M U L A . . .
It’s so easy to get caught up in painting the latest fad. I don’t know an artist alive or dead that hasn’t fallen into this trap from time to time. But that’s exactly what it is — a trap! A fad is a flash in the pan. If you succumb to painting the latest fad, it might gain you a momentary following, but it will not attract long term followers that truly love you for you. And isn’t that what we as artists really want? Followers that love us for the art that is hidden deep within our souls? How does one find those people? It might sound cliché, but you need to paint. You need to paint a lot! Look at artwork of different styles, from different eras, by different artists and try to emulate the artwork that speaks to your soul. If you’re able to successfully emulate a favorite artist, then work on ways of incorporating bits and pieces of that artist’s style into your own. You won’t arrive overnight, but if you consistently work at studying other artists, emulating, and incorporating, you will arrive at something that is uniquely you that no other artist can copy. Even better? You’ll constantly be evolving to a better, more true-to-you finished product that will attract your own unique following.
But what about technique? Learning proper technique is a necessity for all artists. It is most often done by way of generic exercises that were never meant to be an end point. Beyond the Brushes’ lessons are an excellent example of this. Lessons are meant to teach the tools so that you can express the art that is deep in your soul. You don’t need anyone to teach you to be an artist — it’s already deep inside you. Most importantly — if an art piece speaks to you, don’t let anyone sway you from your vision. Don’t stress too hard about pleasing others. Feel the piece. really feel it deep in your soul. If it doesn’t feel right to your soul, it’s not you. Once you’ve found and followed your artistic vision, you’ll wake up one day to find that you’ve naturally attracted a following. These people will be the ones who love you for you. They will be ecstatic over every new piece. They’ll be fiercely loyal to you as an artist and support you always. The magic formula for finding and attracting a following can be summed up in four simple words: BE TRUE TO YOU.
