Finding Your Own Style
Trust the Process

Whenever I teach a class, one of my students will undoubtedly comment that they want to learn how to paint like me. This comment always takes me aback, as I don’t know how to teach them that.

I can teach them composition, techniques, what to do, what not to do and how to improve a painting. I can teach them about art supplies and how to use them efficiently. But I can not teach them how to paint like me, as in replicating my style.

Even if I tried, it would be next to impossible as I can’t control, for example, how much paint, pressure, or stroke someone makes with their brush. It is in their hands and their movement.

Can you imagine how boring life would be if we all painted using the same style? Art galleries, museums, shows or openings would not be needed. There would be no point, as they would be filled with the same type of art. Variety is what makes art interesting.

A style is something that develops over time.

When I started my creative journey twenty-five years ago, I didn’t set out to create a style. I just liked to paint, so I kept on painting.

I took many classes, as I still do, and learned tips and tricks from every instructor, making them my own.

My style evolved with trial and plenty of error, and hundreds of canvases later. Now, people recognize my style of painting. That makes me happy to know that, as I have found a way to express myself through my art.

Discovering your style is a personal journey that all artists embark on. I want to inspire my students to embark on this journey of self-discovery. When that begins to happen, it becomes magical.

My advice to my students is to trust the process, and your style will start to shine.