Evolution of an Artist

Since starting to paint in 2010, I have gone through many iterations including subject and color schemes, and hopefully technique as well. I would recommend that artists keep learning by taking courses, but for those of us who either don’t have the funds for courses or are challenged in getting around, there is a wealth of resources through other artists websites and free videos. I personally follow Ian Roberts on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ian+roberts ), and subscribe to his emails – Mastering Composition. Another artist is Samuel Earp at https://samuelearp.com/ who also offers instructive videos. There are many other artists and resources for learning on the internet.

We do learn from our mistakes if we take time to critically look at our current work to identify what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been guilty of just wishing for a better outcome by believing that the next art piece will be the masterpiece; however, if nothing changes then nothing changes. Right?

Color choice and learning to get depth into a painting in addition to a good composition are top of the list. In the early days, I tried to copy nature instead of interpreting the landscape. By interpreting, I mean to make a statement and not just to try to copy what you see. Rocks may be mostly gray but there are many other colors if you study them. Making a good painting then is more about having a pleasing color scheme that gives an overall impression of nature but doesn’t attempt (and often fails) to imitate it. Artistic license is our best friend!

Here are two of my paintings of the same subject:

I did the first painting in 2014, and the second one 2025 from a slightly different perspective. I thought the first one was a masterpiece in 2014, and it did sell, but the second one is so much more pleasing, light, and airy.  Perhaps I’ll do this one again in 10 years! The moral of the story is to keep learning and evolving.