Artists You Gotta Be You

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Artists You Gotta Be You

I’m gonna give you the three secrets to becoming a good artist - are you ready?

  1. Learn the fundamentals and be able to apply them in your work.

  2. Learn how to take what’s in your heart and put it out on the canvas.

  3. You gotta be you.

None of these are going to be easier, nor will they be done quickly. They all take time and lots of effort and dedication. While the first two are learned behavior and can really be done by anyone, the third is more difficult. You Gotta Be You.

Why is it so hard to be yourself? Mostly because there is so much pressure to conform to a certain “thing” today, whatever that thing may be. Lots of people spend their whole life being someone they aren’t, or they simply copy what others do. A quick scroll through Instagram will show you lots of people who copy others, whether through the art they make, the clothes they wear, or the products they buy.

When making art, the only real way to make authentic work that is yours alone is to be yourself. Your view of life is different from others, your life experiences are different from others, and the art you make should be different from others.

I get questions all the time from students about “style.” They haven’t found a “style” or they don’t know what “style” to paint. The idea of a style should never cross your mind as a painter. You don’t want to paint in a certain style, you want to paint like you, whatever that becomes. Spend time painting - lots of time. Eventually the way you do things, the strengths you have, the way you work with media will all combine to create work that reflects you. It’s not something you can sit around thinking about, it only comes through doing.

Take your time, enjoy the journey and don’t be in a hurry to find “you.” If you put in the time, IT will find YOU.

If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)

As always, thanks for your support!

David


NEW! Interactive (Zoom) Mini Workshops

I have just added 6 new Interactive Mini Workshops (on the Zoom platform) to my website. Most are 3 to 6 hours long and are a great opportunity for learning a lot in a short amount of time. You’ll be online and onscreen with me as I instruct, demonstrate, paint, and critique your work.

You can see a list of All my Online Workshops HERE.

Simple Color System Colorwheel

If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.

You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.

ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings. Now On Sale for $50 Off!

Click Here to Learn More



Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course. Now On Sale for $100 Off!
Click Here to Find Out More

The Painting Insider (formerly Abstract Painting Insider) now has a new format and is not abstract painting specific. Weekly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course!

Click Here to Find Out More