I get it; artists should create in a consistent style. It's what the art schools taught us; it's what galleries want. Your admirers will recognize you, and you will develop collectors. But what if this is not you? What if inconsistent thoughts were what kept you creative? Sometimes I want to be messy; other times, I like playing with details. I need this challenge, this variety, to fuel my work.
I am fortunate to have been able (with the help of my best manager, my husband) to support my family as a designer and artist for over 30 years. My secret: learning to listen to clients and collectors, understand their tastes, and deliver to them. OK, I love all styles, modern, traditional, abstract, representational, and more, so this was easy for me. I confidently learned to work in various visual types and was proud of this accomplishment.
Study with a 8’x10’ mural on ceiling. This mural was a take on N.C. Wyeth famous Map Of Discovery painting. I painted it in two pieces on the studio floor on canvas using the equator line as the split.
All walls and trim were faux finished in a five step process. We designed all the trim, fireplace and builtins.
Mid century room, this was Skinny D’amatos house where Frank Sinatra, and the Rat Pack came while playing at the 500 Club in Atlantic City. I think I did them proud. The room was a mess with green brick walls, concrete floor and exposed pipes. There is a small casino behind.
Notice the decorative painting? Yea I did that too.
Lettering was always a stretch for me, maybe because I was left handed.
Mikie is my family name and this was my granddaughters nursery
Just Beach Style. Designed to accommodate grown children with sleeping quarters on the porch for grand children. The attic was opened for a playroom with ships ladder.
This painting was oil on canvas and 6’x8’
So fun creating a craftsman style mural for this home, the window shades were hand painted also
Craftsman Style with painted mural
Even an abstract , this abstract was one of the hardest paintings I did.
I agree that many artists have become highly successful with a definite style. But then think of Michangelo, a painter sculptor and an architect. There are advantages to multiple styles: More work, a bigger audience, new markets, and (my favorite) more freedom.
Art Deco for a ladie’s dressing room.
Just fun for a powder room
This was a labor of love, ceiling ,walls and floor
I tried staying in the lines within boundaries with my art, but my work suffered. Being turned down for shows, that I usually received awards in. Not receiving the commissions I typically received, but most of all, I was not being true to myself. I missed the variety and the challenge of fulfilling a customer's vision.
Art should reflect the artist's personality, so do I have multiple characters? No, I am just cherishing the fact that I love and am excited by lots of things, which ignites my passion. Now excuse me while I go work on my children's book.
