Finding your own art style

Welcome back to the studio! Today as I paint I'm talking all about different things I've tried to help find my own creative voice. As I'll demonstrate in the video, it comes from a lot of mistakes, trial and error - and finding ways to navigate forwards from these experiments to get to know your work better.
I'd love to learn about any processes, thoughts or ideas you try and follow, that have helped you find your own style or voice, in the comments below 🌿
✹ Website: www.orlastevens.com
✹ Instagram: / orlastevens
✹ Patreon: / orlastevens
✹ Substack: substack.com/@orlastevens
00:00 Intro
01:25 What I'm working on
02:31 References
03:10 Materials & processes I'm using
04:40 Making art you aspire to
06:14 Taste
08:00 Observation
11:15 Learn with me
13:14 Practice
15:05 Limitations
16:23 How you see the world
18:35 Final thoughts

[@CathSheard]

Yes! The gap between what you love in other artist’s work, and what you create as an artist, is so important to understand. It’s a gap I step in and out of all the time, moving away from my own aesthetic taste, feeling frustrated by what I’m creating, then moving back to my own true ‘hand of the artist’. Thank you for talking so clearly about this.

[@OrlaStevens]

Absolutely! I'm really glad I spotted it before being led down that path for too long - I suppose it's something we can only really figure out by doing. If you have any pointers or things you do when you're in this gap I'd love to know, as I think I'm still working my way out of it myself 😊

[@hhtrue21]

Orla, watching you is so encouraging and inspiring! Thank you for the reminder that, often, the answers we're looking for come from doing the actual work. And I always appreciate the encouragement to just play. ☺ Thanks again for your hard work and generous spirit!

[@OrlaStevens]

I really appreciate it, thank you! I think these messages are all ones I need to hear myself, really happy it can help other people out too 😊 x

[@elizabethcameron6045]

I know one thing Orla...your line work speaks to me! I am so inspired by you and your exploration and play in art making. Thank you!!

[@OrlaStevens]

oh thanks so much! it's something I've really been enjoying developing :) thanks for watching! 💙

[@intergalacticpeachpatrol]

you ALWAYS fill me up with so much inspiration every time you post. it's amazing. your work is amazing. your energy is amazing. thank you for sharing your process and thoughts with us. you're truly a treasure. :-) xo

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you so much 🩵 that’s super kind. I love making and sharing them, so it’s great to hear you get so much from these videos!

[@lunalovebad5867]

Such a great video! You’re an excellent teacher! This helped me so much more than numerous other videos I’ve watched on the subject, so thank you!

[@OrlaStevens]

really glad it resonated, and thanks so much!

[@jomassey4207]

So glad to have found an "experimental and fearless artist". I really enjoy listening to how you process your thoughts and use brushstrokes to let go and just do....with little intention but to find, maybe some part of you in your art. Keep smiling and being fearless, from a moral rebel. Thanks Orla, Jo.😊

[@OrlaStevens]

that's incredibly kind, thank you! so much fun in just letting loose :) yessss and you! 💪 x

[@AmandaInEly]

Another wonderful and inspiring video! Seems to me that the more I try to follow your methods, the more my work looks like me. Which cant be a bad thing.

[@OrlaStevens]

that is wonderful to hear! thanks so much 😊

[@kennyrote]

This was so insightful! I feel like a lightbulb went off when you said that what you find pleasing in others' work versus what you find aesthetic and pleasing when you're creating your own work can be completely different. It made me feel way more accepting of how I create my work even though it may not look like what I personally hang on my wall.

[@OrlaStevens]

That’s so great to hear!! 💡absolutely, it’s a funny thing to figure out, and something I need to keep reminding myself of 😊

[@Lightpoetry.]

Orla, I absolutly loved the video and the text on substack, and you really instilled that ah-ah moment in me!! Kind of a revelation, that the art we love to look at or are inspired by is not necessarily the art we love making!!🤩 I feel it resolved a long term inner struggle of mine, in which I didn't quite understood my style/needs/motivations.... so thanks a lot!! Always a pleasure to hear your insightful thoughts on creative process, and I must admit, I have to rewatch the video couple of times, because between images of what you are creating and all the infos you are transmitting my mind get's overwhelmed!! Hehe, in a good way though!😉

[@OrlaStevens]

That’s so great to hear!! 😄 hahah I know what you mean, there was a lotttt of info in this one - reflecting my very busy mind this month 😅 the next video is going to be a little lighter and more play based I think 😊 xx

[@misspumpkin10]

Loved this video as always, you are so open and embrace play and discovery. I'm currently doing a big play, shift. Unfortunately my darling Dad died in Jan. He was also an artist, but very different style and colour palette to me. So I've been finding ways to use his favourite colour - orange (which I hated) and have discovered an entirely new palette, mixing his oranges with my favourite pinks. A lovely way to honour him.

[@OrlaStevens]

Hello, and thank you for your kind words! I’m so sorry for your loss. That is beautiful! Such a special way to connect with him, and bring into your own art 🩵

[@44colors]

I really enjoyed this video, your process and everything you said and how you explained it... thanks so much for sharing I feel sooo inspired to flow and create!!! I'm exited to try this, also really nice paper! hope you keep sharing your process with us!!!!!

[@OrlaStevens]

yessss so happy to hear that! 💫 the paper is such a beautiful one, in love with the edges! thanks so much 😊

[@springnicole]

Your channel is like going for a walk with a friend. So refreshing ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

that's so lovely, thank you! exactly what I hoped they'd feel like :)

[@ZEET_GEEST]

What a wonderful watch and wonderful insight! I love seeing ideas come together

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! excited to see where these ones go next :)

[@alatsaf]

very inspiring and so calming

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! :)

[@alisonlyons4691]

Hi Orla thank you for another interesting video. Loved seeing you work on Khardi paper. My daughter gave me a Khardi sketchbook for Xmas and I've been really enjoying its texture and absorbency. I've been trying out different materials on it to see what happens. Thanks again......Alioban ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Hello! Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed. It's beautiful eh? I didn't know they made sketchbooks, that sounds amazing. Will have to look into it! It's definitely a paper I need to work with more to get the hang of it, and especially loving how it absorbs the watercolour & inks. Happy experimenting! x

[@alisonlyons4691]

You're welcome, and thank you !😊

[@jackblack9589]

Such a privilege to have access to your sharing, thanks truly inspiring.

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much Jack ☀️

[@ShipluArt]

Saving this one for later 😄 thanks Oorla

[@SashaFitzgerald]

Loved your video! I’m exploring a lot of styles right now - trying to paint things realistically, and also experimenting with abstraction. I’m becoming a bit of a style hopper lol. Anyway love your work!

[@OrlaStevens]

I think it's a great exercise to do! Then you can sit back and see what resonates :) thanks so much 😊

[@LantraAntero]

Thank you for this video! I actually like all of your videos!

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! 💙

[@s.courtneywalton1737]

Thank you for sharing! I was just looking for a new video from you last night!

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! I'm aiming to post a new video every other thursday this year ☀️

[@irina.kipnis]

How inspirational. Thank you.

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you 😊

[@sandyfitzgerald7652]

Always feel inspired after one of your vids 🙂

[@OrlaStevens]

aw thank you! 💫

[@glynislaidlaw4064]

I love your work, so inspiring, thank you for sharing your talent with us!,

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! excited to see where these ones lead me :)

[@AshleyMurphyArt]

Lovely. Thank you.

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Ashley! 💙

[@ChantelleArts]

Such a good video, I love this ☺☺☺

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! 🌿

[@donatellaciardella7626]

🤩

[@DarcysMixedMedia]

❤

[@hannahduncan4200]

This was such a great video, as always! What tape are you using? It peeled off so smoothly,

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks hannah! It's a great tape, best one I've found so far... it's a brand called Tesa and it's the pink one called Sensitive

[@violetalizabeth735]

What did you lay on the floor for protection? I'd love to find a way to create art anywhere without worrying about the paint and water

[@OrlaStevens]

This one is simply a rug from Ikea - nothing fancy :) I am working on laminate flooring too, so if anything soaks through I can easily clean it off :)

[@remodernist]

i like khadi paper for painting, what did you make of it yourself?

[@OrlaStevens]

I LOVE the edges haha. I'm still struggling with the texture of it though. I like working on super smooth paper, but I do like the more organic quality of it. Do you work straight into it, or gesso it first?

[@remodernist]

@@OrlaStevens i work straight onto it, but it does fight the paint, i'm used to painting on unprimed canvas though so don't mind a fight :) you might prefer deckle edged watercolour paper for something smoother, or as you say if you gesso it first it will be less absorbent and rough.

[@44colors]

do you have an IG? would love to follow and see more!

[@OrlaStevens]

Absolutely! You'll find me under Orla Stevens on IG x

[@anastazjaj.8077]

❤