A Year of Artistic Discovery: My Journey to Finding My Style
As we approach a new season (autumn to be precise), I’ve set myself an exciting and ambitious goal: to improve my art skills and discover my unique artistic style over the next 12 months. Art has always been a passion of mine, but I’ve often found myself hesitant to explore my creativity fully. This year, I’m determined to change that. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and artistic growth as I document my progress, challenges, and triumphs along the way.
Painting based on photo reference from Pinterest. Acrylic on canvas board, circa 2021-2022, by Sara Tovey
Setting the Stage
To achieve my goal, I’ve established a few key steps and strategies that will guide me throughout this year-long adventure:
- Consistent Practice: First and foremost, I recognize that practice is essential for improvement. I’ve committed to dedicating time each day to work on my art, whether it’s drawing, painting, researching, or experimenting with new techniques.
- Learning and Education: I’ll consider enrolling in any available art courses and workshops, both online and locally, to acquire new skills and broaden my horizons. Continuous learning is a crucial aspect of growth of any kind and the same applies to art or other interests. I will complement my education by exploring a variety of artistic mediums.
- Exploration and Experimentation: Finding one’s artistic style often involves experimenting with various mediums, subjects, and techniques. I plan to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, even if they feel intimidating at first! Be it learning an instrument, learning a language, learning to dance, writing songs, poetry, short stories – I want to stretch myself creatively over the next 12 months.
- Reflection and Self-Critique: Along the way, I’ll be documenting my thoughts and feelings about my progress. Self-reflection is key to understanding what works and what needs improvement.
- Seeking Feedback: Constructive feedback from fellow artists and mentors can provide valuable insights. I’ll be sharing my work with others and actively seeking feedback to refine my skills. I will work on my creative courage by sharing more online.
Discovering My Style
One of the most exciting aspects of this journey is the quest to find my unique artistic style. Many artists spend years exploring different techniques and mediums before they discover a style that resonates with them. I expect my journey to be no different, and I’m embracing the uncertainty and adventure that comes with it. I also don’t expect to find my forever-style at the end of the 12 months, but I do expect to grow as an artist.
I plan to:
- Study the Masters: Learning from the great artists who have come before us is an excellent way to gain inspiration and insight into different styles. By studying their work, I hope to identify elements that resonate with me.
- Experiment with Different Styles: I won’t limit myself to one particular style. Instead, I’ll experiment with a variety of styles, from realism to abstract, to see which ones feel most comfortable and authentic to me. I’m likely to dabble in them out of sequence and all at once, the less rules I make for myself the more free I will feel to experiment.
- Embrace Imperfections: Art is a journey of growth, and mistakes are an integral part of that process. Instead of being discouraged by imperfections, I’ll embrace them as opportunities to learn and evolve. Perfectionism is not our friend.
- Feedback and Guidance: Seeking feedback from others, especially those who have experience in the art world, will be crucial in refining and defining my style. I’m eager to learn from their insights and perspectives. I may even explore exhibiting some of my work in local cafés and galleries (that will take a double dose of courage!)
Sketch on bamboo paper, circa 2010, by Sara Tovey; inspired by “I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio” by Stereophonics
The Challenges Ahead
While I’m excited about this year of artistic discovery, I’m also aware that it won’t be without its challenges. There will be moments of frustration, self-doubt, and creative blocks. However, I firmly believe that these challenges are part of the journey, and I’m committed to working with, not against them.
Let’s do this!
As I embark on this year-long journey to improve my art skills, develop new interests and discover my personal style, I’m filled with anticipation and a sense of purpose. I invite you to follow along with me on this adventure, and I hope that my experiences will inspire you to pursue your own creative passions and goals.
Remember, art is not just about the final product; it’s about the process of self-discovery and expression. Here’s to a year of growth, experimentation, and artistic exploration!