For most artists I know writing their Artist’s Statement can be extremely painful. This article offers you the basic important principles and makes it quick and easy for you. I encourage you to follow the 5 Ps when writing your artist’s statement. If you want more useful information, I offer links to related articles at the end of this article.
Here are the 5 “P” Guidelines to remember when writing your artist’s statement. They are: Show Your PERSONALITY; Share Your PASSION; Tell Us About Your PROCESS; Emphasize Your POWER; and Declare Your PURPOSE.
1. Show Your PERSONALITY
Are you a down-to-earth person like Grandma Moses or a poet like Matisse or a deep spiritual thinker like Kandinsky? Perhaps you’re an optimist who wants to share the beauty that exists in the universe or your creativity comes alive when you hear music or practice a specific ritual.
Your personality and personal beliefs fuel your artistic expression and help to make you unique as an artist. Show us how they are reflected in your art.
Peter N. Van Giesen (peternvangiesen.com) creates paintings inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia where he resides. He tells us, “My art is the result of sporadic surges of energy that percolate into my consciousness. I attempt to explore the dynamics of tension and elasticity, the interplay of light and darkness, the interconnected energy of the perpetual motion of the natural world.” For him, “creating artwork energizes me as it is a spiritual, mystical process, a gift to be shared.” Peter earned degrees in Psychology and Religion. During his diverse business career he created art when time and place permitted. In 2011 he committed most of his energy to creating visual artworks that evoke his profound philosophy.
2. Share Your PASSION
To me, there are few things more appealing about an artist than their enthusiasm and passion for what they do. When we read an artist’s statement that exudes their excitement and commitment for creating art, we become captivated by it and want to know more. Passion is infectious and builds art fans.
Are you a world traveler who captures that interest in your artwork? Maybe you’re compassion for animals has led you to pursue those subjects. Does your love for nature inspire you? Do you have an undying interest in expressing spirituality in your art? By all means share your passion!
Karen Johnston (studiokarenjohnston.com) is an award-winning abstract painter. She states, “My art is a colorful interpretation of the human story (histories, experiences, memories) from an intuitive, sensory perspective. It is the internal imagery of unfolding emotion based on my life and countless lives of others – stories bound by hope. In paint, my intentions emerge. I let my artistic voice enunciate emotional landscapes of the heart, then tenderly lace them with buoyant, light-filled inspiration to evoke a sense of calm and healing amidst life’s deep journey. My touch is sensitive, my marks flowing and my palette bright so that viewers may ease into a place of peace and be uplifted.”
3. Tell Us About Your PROCESS
We all want to know how you create the art you do. Don’t forget this information is important to tell us about when discussing your art. Share something about your process and approach that makes your creative direction unique. For example, it might be as simple as how you use your materials and tools.
Nancy Reyner (nancyreyner.com), is the epitome of a well-balanced consummate professional as a painter, author and instructor. She has been painting for over 30 years and is highly skilled in a variety of media including oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. She states, “I start with materials that excite me, like gold leaf, and reflective pigments. I then work the paintings until the images seem to glow, and the materials appear to transform into something else, something otherworldly. Using nature as a guiding principle, my images portray luminous notions of air, water, earth and light. Creating imaginary new worlds, merging the literal and the metaphorical, my paintings hover somewhere between pure abstraction and realistic landscape.”
4. Emphasize Your POWER
You may take for granted the technical and creative skills you have acquired and mastered. Don’t be shy about these achievements that infuse or complement your creative talents. Have you mastered Renaissance painting techniques? Are you a skilled metalsmith? Did you also receive a degree in horticulture or psychology? Does your knowledge of feng shui play a role in your art? Are you also an expert sailor who captures the beauty of the sea? Let us know.
Nanette Fluhr (nanettefluhr.com) is known for her museum quality portraits and other fine art. She received a top award in the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2022 exhibition. Nanette states, “Representational portraiture is my life’s pursuit. It is the challenge of capturing a faithful likeness of my sitter, which I firmly believe must include the articulation of each subject’s persona, that I find most compelling. I approach each painting as an opportunity to try to discover the truth of an individual’s essence.” She explains, “I draw my inspiration from the Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Ingres, Bouguereau, and from Sargent and Le Brun. Guided by their principles handed down to me by my mentor John Frederick Murray, I aspire to the high standards that these Masters established. As a side light, I have become a noted copyist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an effort to study them with the depth and focus they deserve.”
Frantisek Strouhal (frantisekstrouhal.com) has mastered art techniques not usually found among contemporary artists. He writes, “I create Bromoil art, the oil print process, whose origins go back to the mid-19th century. In today’s world of instantaneous satisfaction and digital development, I have reverted to these techniques, the rewards of which enrich my artistic experience, and endow me with a greater capacity to manipulate the end results as per my vision. My sincere hope is that my artwork and personal stories will engage the viewer to experience a ray of serenity.”
5. Define Your PURPOSE
Is your purpose to educate others, inspire the viewer, arouse introspection, bring a sense of healing or feelings of unity? Or perhaps you wish to bring precious gifts to your viewer in the form of humor, joy, or tranquility. Maybe, your purpose through art is to raise awareness about something you strongly believe in.
Whatever your purpose is, declare it with certainty and clarity. Let it shine and reverberate when writing your artist’s statement.
For example, an artist who is very clear about her sense of purpose as an artist is Valerie Patterson (valeriepatterson.com). She states, “I strive to give voice to difficult social and political subjects in an attempt to encourage thought, emotion and dialogue. My work is a continuing search for deep understanding of the human condition – fascinating in its capacity for great kindness and mercy yet also great malevolence.”
Dig Deep and Reveal Your Unique Voice
Your experiences, education, and idiosyncrasies form your persona and influence the type of art you create. I encourage you to dig deep and discover where your origins have impacted your artistic style and your source of creativity and then simply invite your readers into your world where you can share your ideas and feelings.
Order A Professionally Written Statement About Your Art
Check Out My Writing Services for Artists
Bill Meddick says
I always dread the artist statement. I’ll try it for the nth time using your “p’s” . Easier to paint than to talk about it.
Renee Phillips says
Bill, your art and your artist’s statement look great to me!
Andrea Robinson says
Thank you Renee. Alot of useful and insightful advice which I will apply to my artist statement and newsletter as well.
Thank you for your continuing support to artists.
Renee Phillips says
Andrea, I’m delighted this article was helpful to you. Let me know when you revise your Artist’s Statement. I look forward to reading it. Best wishes!
Elaine WITTEN says
Thanks, Renee, one can and should always try to improve one’s artistic statement. This is an excellent article.
Over time, an artist evolves along with his or her art ,and Passions, Personality, Purpose and Process may also change. Sources of inspiration and even mediums may also change. I try to celebrate and welcome these changes. Thank you for your insight.
Renee Phillips says
Elaine, Thank you. You made an excellent point. And, you and your art have evolved beautifully!
Trixie Pitts says
Thanks Renèe, very insightful suggestions!
Renee Phillips says
Dear Trixie, I’m glad you enjoyed the article.