Thursday, September 12, 2013

Identity Crisis

We all know adults who who still don't know who they want to be when they grow up. In fact, I find myself in that category from time to time.  When it comes to my art, I seem to be the artist who doesn't know what she wants to do, or conversely, I'm an artist who wants to do it all! At some point, though, it's time to focus more, to settle down and choose my own style. Or is it? I've been painting a lot lately, which is great. But a quick look at what I've worked on over this past week shows that I am clearly all over the place with my art!!

This is a page from an altered board book I started last spring while taking Carla Sonheim's "Flower Crazy Class." The technique involves using collage, gesso, watercolor and pencil. I love doing flowers, watercolor, drawing and feel like I could just keep doing these crazy flowers for the rest of my life and never get bored! 




Then I decided to try out the same technique, but with a different subject, resulting in this whimsical piece.




I really love integrating collage with my drawing and painting skills, but I also still love doing 'pure' collage. Before I knew, it, I'd done this little collage.



And then, to further complicate things, I've been working on this abstract acrylic painting! 


So, as you can see, I really am not very focused in what I'm doing. Following my whims is certainly fun, but is it wise? Is it important to settle on one style?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Your comments are always appreciated.
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24 comments:

  1. GlorV1September 12, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    It's just important to be you and do what you want to do. I love all these pieces. Great job on all of them. Variety is the spice of life, they say. Great job.
    gloria

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    1. DebbieSeptember 12, 2013 at 8:04 PM

      Thanks for visiting, Gloria! I do like variety, obviously!!

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    2. Ilona HeimböckelSeptember 13, 2013 at 1:52 PM

      I think just like Gloria, do what you like or feel like doing! It is you all the same! You have your own style already and it will show through more explicitly, the more you work. I like to do all different kinds of art, painting, printing (linol etc.), drawing, collaging whatever comes to my mind. And it is my art, and my style will grow with it. If you had to only do one kind of painting style it would become boring after a while, but if you change between the techniques you can always develop!
      I love all your different pieces!
      Happy PPF
      Ilona

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  2. ChristineSeptember 12, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    beautiful pieces this week Debbie!

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  3. FayeSeptember 12, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    Wonderful to follow your whims when it leads to such gorgeous works. I especially like the pastel colors in the first one.

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  4. Abigail DavidsonSeptember 12, 2013 at 9:43 PM

    I think all of your artwork is lovely! Love the mixed media techniques, really eye-catching.

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  5. Gloria j ZucaroSeptember 12, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    I enlarged everything to see it up close and personal. I love your textured flowers and the blue bird made me laugh, so adorable with attitude!

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  6. NettySeptember 13, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    oooh I so know how you feel, but have stopped worrying about it and just paint what I like and what brings me joy. All of your works are magical, for me I love your abstract piece.
    Happy PPF, Annette x
    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. GigglesSeptember 13, 2013 at 2:22 AM

    I feel the exact same... I have observed other artist just going with the flow trying all the variety then all of a sudden they develop a very unique style of their own...I think it's all a part of the process albeit long!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work....I love the bird one!

    Hugs Giggles

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  8. www.dorissdaughter.comSeptember 13, 2013 at 2:32 AM

    Following whims often leads to new ideas or maybe a combination of techniques. How exciting!!

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2013 at 4:41 AM

    Great variety. I have to say I love the graphic nature of your pure collage! xox

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  10. Valerie-JaelSeptember 13, 2013 at 5:03 AM

    You have been very busy, love it all. Valerie

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  11. dentheSeptember 13, 2013 at 5:15 AM

    I think it's important to do what makes you happy. If you want to try out different styles, just do it. Why limit yourself? Your own style will shine through eventually. Love that bird!

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  12. lmpSeptember 13, 2013 at 6:22 AM

    I do what I want to do. I think the real key is learning the rules and then letting your intuition reign.

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  13. IvySeptember 13, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    Lovely work. HPPF!

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  14. Linda KunsmanSeptember 13, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I hear you and am SO like you! I tend to be all over sometimes but don't think about whether I should be focusing more. It's very freeing and I think things come together more naturally when you're in the moment doing what you want to do, and not what you should be doing. I love your variety of projects! Do what feels good to YOU.

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  15. ann @ studiohydeSeptember 13, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    These are lovely Debbie :)

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  16. Miss MarpleSeptember 13, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    I love the acrylic abstract!!!
    Happy PPF! - Irma

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  17. Miss MarpleSeptember 13, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    It's me again! I thought I was the only one note being able to choose what to to, not being able to put a finger on my style. There are way too many things I like to do and try to do as there are hours in a day. But hey, that's me. Most of the time I am happy with it...(at least if I do not take a look at all the U(n)F(inished)O(bjects) flying around in my room...
    Have a great start in your weekend - irma

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    Replies
    1. DebbieSeptember 13, 2013 at 1:55 PM

      Thanks so much! UFO's -- hilarious!! I have more than I care to admit. I'm trying hard to either finish or toss some of the ones that have been flying around for too long!

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  18. aimeeSeptember 13, 2013 at 1:53 PM

    Beautiful! I love your style and I love that you have so much going on at once! It is the way of an artist!

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  19. DebbieSeptember 13, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    I love what you are creating and I enjoy trying out new styles too. I say do what is fun!

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  20. GinnySeptember 14, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Hi Debbie, I think that as long as you are enjoying creating things in all different mediums that you should continue to do what is bringing you joy. I think your style shows through in all of your work.

    I enjoyed each piece that you shared this week but I love the abstract. It drew my attention immediately and I have gone back several times to look at it again and again.

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  21. Anne MandaSeptember 14, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    I think too, that your style shows in all your wonderful work. I've heard so many times that one should have a recognizable style, but the thought of doing one thing for the rest of my life fills me with unspeakable ennui... I'm all over the place artistically, but I rather stop art altogether than limit myself to a certain style! :) Your work is beautiful and original! <3

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