Consistency !?

[Allan Rahbek]

Lately I have been thinking about the needs to create consistency in my work.

It appears to me that marketing one's work is not about showing all the different things, styles, ism's or whatever's but is about getting known for a (very) personal style, a "look" if you will.

I have noticed that many artists can instantly be recognized on any work they make and I just wonder if I will have to work more deliberately with that?

How do you think about that subject?

[Michele Rushworth]

Clients, galleries and agencies do seem to like a predictable "look" from an artist, especially in commissioned portraits when they can't see what they're getting til long after the contract is signed. Your "look" or personal style will probably emerge of its own accord over time.

I think it was Winslow Homer who said that an artist doesn't have to work to create their own style, that eventually it would emerge despite anything an artist did consciously to create or avoid it.

[David Draime]

Allan,

I think this is a great topic for discussion. Certainly, if you are approaching a gallery, you will want to show them a body of work that could hang well together, a certain... consistency. The same is probably true when putting together a website. But, hopefully, the consistency arises out of an honest exploration of painting concerns that drive you as an artist. In that regard, it's probably not a good idea to think too much about it. You wouldn't want to develop a "style" for style's sake, forcing yourself to work in a way that is contrary to where your real interests lie. It could lead to work that looks artificial, or arbitrary.

Joseph Campbell once said: "Follow your bliss." As artists we should follow what inspires us, what excites us. A "style" will inevitably follow.

David

PS: I wrote this before seeing Michele's post. It says the same thing, I know. She's just a faster typist than me...

[Allan Rahbek]

Originally Posted by David Draime

PS: I wrote this before seeing Michele's post. It says the same thing, I know. She's just a faster typist than me...

I am glad that you both came up with the same conclution; that consistency comes with practice

But, will it hurt if we theorize about the subject?

Richard Schmid say's something about placing ones paintings beside each other and looking to find out if one is stronger than the other ( I ordered his book and hope to find some answers when it comes)

[Marvin Mattelson]

I think that it's a big mistake to try and contrive a style. Style should evolve and over the years it too should change just as we do as people. But a recognizable style can be a double edged sword. I have seen far too many big-name artists who have spent the bulk of their lives imitating themselves.

Isn't the point of being an artist to keep pushing forward on the road to self discovery? If I wanted to do the same thing in the same way every day I'd look for a job that would bring in some serious coin.

The key, it seems to me, is to focus in on a specific subject matter, find a medium that is most conducive to your sensibilities and start to explore. Generally speaking, I think combining portraits, with landscapes and still lifes while using a multitude of media would be confusing to prospective clients, if one wanted to promote portraits. I advise my students that if they have multiple approaches they should have multiple portfolios and promote each style separately.

[Richard Bingham]

Wisely spoken, Marvin.
I was taught that "style" is inescapable just as your signature is unique.

In terms of "success" with gallerists, a body of work that demonstrates continuity of theme is the "consistency" usually sought. A scattering of different genres seems to upset 'em, no matter how well painted.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

I hope this does not veer off too much, but I think it is worth pondering over in regards to this subject:

"You can give a fool a thousand intellects, but the only one he will want is yours." - Arabic proverb

"When we start planting the garden of our life, we glance to one side and notice our neighbour is there, spying. He himself is incapable of growing anything, but he likes to give advice on when to sow actions, when to fertilize thoughts and when to water achievements.

"If we listen to what this neighbour is saying, we will end up working for him and the garden of our life will be our neighbour's idea. We will end up forgetting about the earth we cultivated with so much sweat and fertilized with so many blessings. We will forget that each centimeter of earth has its mysteries that only the patient hand of the gardener can decipher. We will no longer pay attention to the sun, the rain and the seasons; we will concentrate instead only on that head peering at us over the hedge.

"The fool who loves giving advice on our garden never tends his own plants at all."

Excerpt from Paulo Coelho's book Like the Flowing River as seen on < a href="http://parisparfait.typepad.com/>Paris Parfait</a>

People who tell you what style you should persue are like this neighbour. I think in the process of creation, that which is your style will became apparent on it's own in due time.