Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Moving on to the Next Level

I've been a bit frustrated with my artwork lately. For a lack of better terms I've been searching for my "style" (or my artistic "voice"). There are many aspects of my artwork with which I am pleased. However, there doesn't seem to be much about it that wows me.

I have been looking at the works of illustrators that I really appreciate, such as Jack Unruh, Alan E. Cober, Sterling Hundly, Marshal Arisman, and Gary Kelly, trying to assimilate their creativity and apply it to my own work (without copying). This is no easy task.

I think I am coming to the conclusion that, even though it is good to be inspired by great artists, it is up to me to pave my own way, taking a more critical look at my art, and seeing what works and what needs to be done differently. Again, no easy task.

At this point of the year, I was planning on sending out a self promotional to potential illustration clients. But I am thinking about holding off for a couple more months so I can work out the rough spots of my work so it has a more professional appearance. It is times like this that I sometimes wish I had gone to art school.

5 comments:

Victoria Robison said...

I like your use of line. But if you like someones work you CAN copy! The old masters copied the work of those before them. It wont be exactly the same and as you do you may find your artistic voice. You will focus on different things, maybe your value ranges will be different or your color combinations. Most of the old masters learned by doing and copying so just explore, replicate and find your own way

owenswain said...

I think this is a lovely drawing. The line work is clean and friendly.

David R. Vallejo said...

This is a great idea and one I seem to overlook. I have copied some works, one of which was Van Gough's "Starry Night". It was for a class assignment in college and I picked it because I thought it would be an easy painting. I was wrong, but it was a good learning experience, especially with color theory. Thanks for your comment.

E-J said...

I love this drawing. It has great sensitivity and economy of line.

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Really great drawing.

In my humble opinion, I think that the way to finding ones style is practice. When I look at the stuff I posted at the beginning of my blog there is definately a style there, but drawing daily (ish) has really developed that. I agree, that you can be inspired by others but it's not where you'll find your own 'voice' (eek). In my opinion.