What's Your Style?

What's your style? I get that question quite often when talking about art. Honestly, I really don't know! I think that the best answer would be "Happy". I love Jane Austen and Lucy Maud Montgomery because both writers chose to write stories that had difficulties in them but resulted in happiness. They both acknowledged the sadness around them but decided, that in their work, there would be happiness. I prefer to look at life that way. I feel that there is plenty of sadness to go around in this world so when I paint I wish to put happy on the canvas.  There are a lot of artists that choose to put angst on the canvas and I respect that, it is moving and cathartic for so many. It's just not my personal style. But, what is the style you paint in? some ask. Again, I really don't know! I know that what goes on the canvas is not how I wish to paint it. I wish to paint like Renoir or Monet or so many of the incredibly talented artists I see out there everyday. What ends up on my canvas is a fantasy version of the real world.

"The Nanny McFee Tree"(sold)

It took many years for me to come to terms with my particular way of painting. It was learning to really appreciate other artists painting style that helped me . I love how one person will paint one way and another a different way. They are all beautiful in their own way. I also learned that it doesn't matter if someone doesn't like your work, because it doesn't speak to them and that's okay. Everyone has different tastes. Is the desert more beautiful than the ocean? The answer is, that they are both beautiful!

"For Karen"(sold)

The piece above, for example, was a struggle for me since it was commissioned by a dear, dear friend. I didn't want to disappoint! It is from a picture of Buffalo Mountain in Colorado. I wanted it to look just like the photo but that is not what it became. Mine is a fantasy version of the mountain. She was happy with it, but I wasn't pleased with it at the time. Now, since I have learned to embrace my own style I am happy with it. Once you accept your own style, your work significantly improves because you can relax and really paint in a happy place.  I believe that the attitude you have while working on something shows thru in the work.

The picture above is one of the pieces I am working on this week. I usually work on two pieces at a time since once the background is painted it has to dry before I can continue, then I can work on the second piece while the first is drying.  I also work on two pieces at a time because sometimes I get stuck on something and have to think about it before I move forward or at times I tire of the thousands of leaves that I may be doing in a particular piece. I need to start a second new piece. I am also going to begin truly pushing myself by working on art for a childrens book I wrote about 17 years ago but never had the courage to take on the art! I will keep you updated as I work on that! I wish for you a really happy week!

"Ski Bunny!" available at Stacysartstudio.etsy.com