Artists are born with a compelling need to probe the depths of self-expression and proclaim self-liberation. The challenge that lies before them is no small task.
Expressing your unique vision as an artist may be one of your biggest challenges. It demands that you explore your innate creativity, fight the demons, ignore the critical voices, discover your strengths, push them to the max, and firmly place your inimitable handprint on the Earth with absolute conviction and no regrets!
As an artist you must master your craft and then transcend it: Stop thinking about what others have taught you. Let go of your crutches and fly solo. When you let your unique vision soar you lift the world with you.
Your art is a reflection of how you respond to life – your emotions, your experiences, your values, beliefs and choices – the sum of what makes you unique. Trust it and follow and you’ll encounter many discoveries about yourself waiting to be revealed.
When I am asked to write an Art Review for an artist. As I examine an artist’s work I look for that personal handprint – the signs that reveal how the artist has found their own voice and has shaped feelings and ideas into unique forms. I always hope to find that extraordinary spark of innovation that always makes my heart beat faster.
Would you like me to write an Art Review for You?
I focus on your artistic strengths from my professional perspective.
Visit this page to learn how to receive one.
Art that is noticeably “derivative” of another artist’s style and reflects very little of the artist’s personal view of the world is a sign that the artist has yet to discover his or her own voice or has and is afraid to express it.
We know about artists who have stepped outside the current mainstream and pushed against the tides in order to remain true to themselves. Their words remind us to stay the course.
Georgia O’Keeffe affirmed, “I decided I was a very stupid fool not to at least paint as I wanted to and say what I wanted to when I painted, as that seemed to be the only thing I could do that didn’t concern anybody but myself.
Chuck Close, a major artist of this century, expressed it well when he said that he felt “trapped” in other artists’ painting styles, as an abstract expressionist, until he formulated “new ways to make marks that make art.”
Alice Neel said, “The minute I sat in front of a canvas, I was happy. Because it was a world, and I could do as I like in it.”
Frida Kahlo exclaimed, “I paint my own reality. I paint because I need to, and I paint always whatever passes through my head, without any other consideration.”
Creating art career goals can be adventurous, creative and rewarding. Every day you get another opportunity to delve into your deepest desires and formulate new ways to bring them to fruition.
In this article “Take Your Art Career Dreams and Goals Higher” you’ll find ways to increase your pleasure while you plan your art career dreams and goals. I have given these exercises to many of my coaching clients and in my group workshops so I know they really work! Have fun as you take your art career dreams and goals higher with these 8 steps!
Also Read
“How Are You Unique As An Artist?”
Many artists inform me that they love the challenging exercises I offer them on this website. The list of questions you’ll find below is one of the examples. An important truth you can learn about yourself as a creative individual is how are you unique as an artist. This knowledge will help you develop your innate creative talents and vision. This should be a high-level priority on your list.
A great article that I needed today. I have always appreciated how you have encouraged my creative vision. Thank you for everything you do for artists everywhere.
Thank you Linda! It’s always a joy and honor to encourage your talent and creative vision. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so. 🙂
What is my creative vision? I just love to paint. Primarily in oils. I’ve been attending Classes for the past 7-8 years part time at The Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore,MD. I’ve done quite a few pet portrait commissions as well as selling a few landscape and still life paintings. But there’re millions upon millions of excellent artists out there painting what I love to paint. Maybe I’m just practicing and am afraid to step out. I feel blocked up or that I’m not understanding how “voice” relates to art. I’d love to be in a gallery and was accepted in one near me. After one week the entire town was flooded out. They never reopened. But all that said, I think just reading this page on your site has helped give me some direction to think about as pertaining to myself. Thank you.
Dear Ken, Thank you for visiting and reading “Expressing Your Unique Creative Vision As An Artist”. I’m glad this article has given you direction. I encourage you to continue to follow your love for painting. You may also want to consider joining online artists groups that offer mutual support. Later, when you’ll be able to attend events and meet in person, art groups will provide more camaraderie and opportunities for exhibiting together. Please also explore this website for the dozens of articles written to motivate and inspire you to follow your passion. All the best to you!
This is a fabulous and on target article Renée. Having just returned from a three month stay in Santa Fe, NM I am more determined to have my story told through my art.
Thanks for all you do for Artists everywhere.
Best,
Mary Mirabal
Thank you Mary for your kind words. May you and your unique creative vision continue to expand and resonate!
Wow, this article directly speaks to my heart and makes me even more grateful for your encouragement and support. Thank you for believing in me.
Thanks Renee,your timely articles are always encouraging to me to be who I am as an artist and also, to keep pushing the envelope of experimentation and learn new ways to express myself and discover more in the process
Dear Renee,
Like always great article. Thanks for that.
Reading this part “Art that is noticeably “derivative” of another artist’s style and reflects very little of the artist’s personal view of the world is a sign that the artist has yet to discover his or her own voice or has and is afraid to express it,” raised this question for me; What about artists who appropriate other artists works or sometimes they even do minor changes in another artist’s original artwork and they make this their own voice and artworks. Do these artists are still discovering to find their own voice or are afraid to explore more?
Best,
Leila
Dear Leila, Thank you for your kind words. From the face of your question, without considering a variety of examples, my reaction is, it seems to me that (unless there are rare exceptions) artists who copy/reproduce/plagiarize have entirely different issues than just trying to find their way. Unless of course they are art students and copy the masters for educational purposes. What do you think about the artists you refer to? All the best, Renee