The Dreaded Style Rut
"If you always do what you always did - you'll always get what you always got." -Unknown
Learning to paint is NOT like riding a bicycle. It's not something you do once, and then, it sticks with you. Painting takes consistent time, effort, and practice. Skills can become rusty if you don't use them for a while.
So, you kind of have to narrow your focus on the subjects you're painting. For me, it was human portraits. I painted, and painted, and painted...and painted portraits until I had them down to a science. I experimented with different styles, techniques, and brushes and nailed down my system.
Then, the dreaded event every artist anticipates...I got BORED! WHAT!?!?! ๐คฏ Doing something I love was boring? How could this happen? ๐ฒ
Well, it does happen. You get stuck in a style rut.
Yes, I was producing paintings that more than satisfied my clients. I didn't lose my ability, but I did lose the feeling of fulfillment when I completed my paintings.
So, I decided to spice things up a bit and challenge myself. I changed my focus. ๐ฑ
I still paint portraits and practice those skills (definitely do not want those to get rusty), but now, I have added in personal time learning and experimenting with landscapes. Yes, the painting subject that I always said I don't do. ๐คฆโ๏ธ
But it is necessary to continue growing as an artist. Style ruts can be a serious drain on your creativity AND sense of fulfillment as an artist. Don't be afraid to leap outside of the box and try something new.
The frustration will be a welcomed feeling because you know it means you're working those muscles that have fallen dormant for far too long. ๐งก
Hand-painted in Adobe Photoshop CC using the Wacom Intuos Pro and the Wacom Art Pen.
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