Most artists have a signature painting style and don’t even know it. The key is to uncover it and use it to bring in sales and notoriety for the artist.
Why is Signature Style Important?
Uncovering the unique qualities of a painter’s abilities can lead to what marketer’s call “branding.” Branding is creating a product that people can easily identify.
Essentially, if an artist can figure out what makes their artwork special and consciously implements it into every piece they do, people will be able to identify the artist’s painting without looking at the signature. Collectors will clamor for more paintings because they know they will be getting a consistent type of artwork from the artist.
For example, when someone says “Picasso” most people think of brightly colored cubist paintings of the human form. This was Picasso’s style. It was consistent throughout most of his painting career, so collectors and art enthusiasts can identify his style easily. When a person thinks of a Picasso painting, they know what the painting will be like without even looking at it.
Identifying a Signature Style
Identifying a signature painting style can be done by collecting a group of friends, co-workers or family members together for a brainstorming session.
Here is how to get a sure idea about an artist’s style from the group:
- Lay out several paintings, side-by-side.
- Give each person a notepad and a pencil.
- Have each person write down what they first notice about each painting. It is important for the artist to stay quiet during this process. The viewer shouldn’t be given any information about the painting other than what is on the canvas.
- Collect the answers and look for a common theme.
Some artists may find that bright colors and bold strokes may be their painting style. Others may find that viewers notice their smooth application of paint or a heavy-handed impasto technique.
Sometimes the application of the paint is overlooked because the artist’s subjects define their signature style.
Choosing a Signature Subject
Peter Paul Rubens is not known for his painting style as much as his subjects. Rubens’ lush, voluptuous women became so popular that today’s curvy women are called Rubenesque thanks to his memorable subject. Modern painters can take a lesson from Rubens. Instead of choosing a subject that everyone is doing, artists should choose an unusual subject that will catch the viewer’s attention.
Being unusual can leave an impression that is vital to creating a brand that sells paintings and brings notoriety to the artist.
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