paint with me 𓆏 find your art style, my art process, evolving your work

♡ / leighellexson
♡ instagram @leighellexson
⁕ supplies:
- raw canvas
- clear gesso
- acrylic paint, golden brand
- neon green/yellow color is fluorescent chartreuse by golden acrylic
- sennelier oil pastels
- collected paint brushes, no particular brand
⁕ camera: Sony a6400 w/ a 35mm lens for those soft background and a kit lens for wider shots
featuring music from Louie Zong ☘︎
louiezong.bandcamp.com

[@adrianaiello1608]

I find the question of art styles to often come from young artists who are solely looking at other people's art and not looking at THINGS! looking around the world and seeing what they notice most first, most often, what they want to replicate or explore, what feelings they want to convey, consistent colors/shapes/textures they are drawn to and use! my art got a lot better when I looked at the world more and asked myself questions beyond "style". style comes from deep and varied places.

[@Erinba]

Brilliantly put!

[@kelseyrosecamacho61]

I love this!! I completely agree. I really found my style as an artist when I stopped trying to use other artists' color pallets and subjects and just painted what I enjoy looking at and using colors that are comfortable and pleasant to me!

[@luffypunketa]

Sooo true. You worded this perfectly

[@kelseycreating]

Great and helpful comment ❤

[@marilenejoubert]

Love this comment 🫶

[@msellenandrea]

As someone who started making art long before social media, I 100% agree with your take on art styles! People need to stop worrying so much about it. Our mark shines through everything we make!

[@LauraGomez-bl2so]

Yeah, finding your art style is way simpler than we all make it. Just keep trying different things, and keep all the stuff you enjoy, and drop all the stuff you don't enjoy, and that IS your art style.

[@beckywiz]

you are totally right about trying to find your "style" and trying hard to emulate what you see in others. I feel like I need to let go and unlearn so many art boundaries that I've learned over the past decade (especially from school )

[@LeighEllexson]

It’s definitely a weird balancing act to find your own way when you’re exposed to so many different ways to make art’

[@shannonleddyart8440]

I like to compare style as a concept to handwriting; the way you hold your brush and the colours you naturally go for and the movement of your wrist as you’re creating creates a look that is only yours without you thinking about it. Handwriting takes a few years to properly develop but you eventually get to a point where everything you write is identifiable as yours, and the same can be said for art making.

[@jennyfermarieart]

Hearing you talk about the art style trap feels sooo validating. I have been preaching this all this year, because last year I fell into the trap and it was so detrimental to my work and my growth as an artist. Instead of striving for an art style, I focused on just being able to create art daily and eventually certain things just kinda stuck but I still have the freedom of exploration which is so crucial to the creative process. thank you for speaking on that!! love your work :)

[@addieasselstine]

Leigh: “I really like to freely flow-“ What I heard: “I really like to free Leigh” Me: “you go girl!”

[@LeighEllexson]

I love to free myself hahaha

[@yungmlf5894]

I feel like art style is your fav way to paint that piece or make that piece. I’ve noticed that with different pieces I’ll try different styles and it all depends on that

[@gewoonzijnkarin]

this is the first video i've seen of you. thank you, gives me confidence to follow my own path😊

[@critter2723]

I was inspired to start drawing in elementary school by connecting with a friend who loved drawing. Even though we were kids and had little experience drawing, I would see her art around and instantly know it was hers no matter what it was. It's still that way to this day, and it's something I notice in my own art that I love. I think different people will have a sort of intrinsic way they want to draw or want things to look based on so many factors that are mostly subconscious. I think tapping into that is where people can excel the most.

[@LeighEllexson]

Love this!!

[@isabellealgrinart6947]

This is sincerely my favorite video you ever made, you sound so genuine talking about this, very interesting!

[@CJoyArt]

I heard someone compare a style to a signature or handwriting. You don't "plan" it. It just happens. I think that's why your college work is uniquely identified as your work. I like this simple comparison and it seems to help my students. I just found your channel and subscribed. Thanks for your generous content!

[@rachelcqart]

Yes, style is one thing that comes with you, and as an artist, we are evolving and growing, so our styles. That's the way I feel ❤

[@Samahra01]

Your answer to the style question is the single most TRUE. HONEST, and genuinely helpful thing you could tell people that want to know!!! From one artist to another...I like your style and you, Leigh very much! Thanks for your generosity ❤❤❤

[@kellybrassard767]

About the topic of art style, I would also add that for me, it's not so much about having an art style, but more about an underlying (false) belief that if I dont have a specific art style, people won't recognize me / identify with my art and therefore want to buy it/ collaborate with me.

[@wild.soul.sketchbooks]

Yesssss, thanks for this reminder Leigh about art styles!!! Picasso went through so many different art styles! That was part of the journey of being an artist, and he probably won't have become famous without this evolution 🥰❤xx

[@pastelblueart]

your opinion about art styles really opened my eyes! I've been really struggeling with finding my art style because people on instagram always say you should stick to one style to gain more follower and whatever. But I like to post every drawing/painting I love. And I like many different things and styles and my style also depends on what medium I use. So thank you a lot! I've been worrying way too much ❤

[@LeighEllexson]

I’ve been caught up in the same worries. I always have to remind myself that art is fun and whatever you make it to be 🫡💯

[@Just_stoptalking]

Your videos have really helped me to stop overthinking the details or style of my paintings. For the last couple of years id been struggling to paint because i was bummed that they weren't coming out the way i hoped then id go weeks without painting again. But since finding your channel I've loosened up and i find that i have more motivation and inspiration so thanks! Also i really really love birds too🐦

[@LeighEllexson]

🥺💘

[@kiralange3820]

i am OBSESSED with your landscapey impressionist paintings, they're my fave

[@ellegreen3585]

𓆏 how you're painting without a drop cloth is so impressive!

[@mythandmilagro]

Short but sweet 🥰 my morning has been fulfilled by this video and ready to tackle the day!

[@LeighEllexson]

🫡 goodmorning 🦋

[@TeacupGirl]

The art style trap is an easy one to fall into, especially when you are on social media. I’ve found that the best way to discover my unique perspective on artistic subjects is to just keep doing what I like best. I try to ignore what’s fashionable and trending and just continue to go my merry way and I found in doing so I was actually producing something that became my own style! And it was a lot simpler than I thought it could be in the end, but I’m really happy with where my art is at, and I can’t wait to keep exploring it further. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Leigh, very inspiring as always. 🩵🌿

[@divinencounters]

Really enjoyed this and how you used negative space!

[@palomathepeach]

i second the opinion on art style!! im in my trapped era LOL

[@LeighEllexson]

Hahahah trapped era!!!

[@debbiedrawsfunny]

Leigh, this painting looks like candy and I wanna eat it. Gorgeous🌿🌸 And I think your answer to finding your art style is spot on. It’s exactly how I feel about it! It’s a trap. And if an artist (I’ve done it before just with my brand) get pigeon holed into a style it’s a cursed situation. I’m constantly evolving and experimenting as we all should be because we’re human. Well answered❤

[@gslawrence]

BEAUTIFUL. This has got to be my favorite painting you've done.. I'm a big Rousseu fan and this giving me that gorgeous abundance of foliage, color, texture and the feeling of wanting to step right into the painting. Thank you

[@carro_ott]

God the way you make art is so breathtaking and free and satisfying I could watch you paint for the rest of my life

[@jude1515]

I agree with what you said. I love your painting.

[@skullingtonfly]

First video. Impressed. Loved your colour choice and style 🥰

[@groundedstudios]

thank you for the water reminder 🪷

[@esmeralduh9]

Omgosh I really needed to hear that about the art style. I’ve been so stress out that I don’t have a art style. Thank you. I’m definitely going to take my time and not rush or even force myself to a certain art style.

[@GenieGeerArtyology]

I would get too bored working in one style. Experiment and process is what excites me; I rarely set out to paint a certain thing but when I do, I'm apt to want to have a go at using different media, or "styles" with it. You are wise for your years and maybe an old soul, too.

[@lochtessmonsterxoxo]

I so agree about art styles! I think we have them naturally and they develop as we do

[@analimalimon.]

I hope your unpopular opinion about style becomes the trend. I think it's the best recommendation about that topic I've ever heard! I love this video so much 💖

[@jessielied]

I Really relate to your commentary about your painting process. I think when people first start up their art practice, it is scary and hard, and people imagine it would be easier if they “just had a style”, but in my experience once a bit of proficiency and a process is established one is free to follow there curiosity, and for me, that’s were its at!! I’m never sure it’s going to turn out, but I’m pretty sure I can get it there, and that time in between; when I’m in the creating zone, is my favorite time of all the time!!✨I think all your work is definitely recognizable, it has that certain Leigh magic!🤌✨

[@LeighEllexson]

So glad you can relate!! Yes yes!!

[@Elena-Studio]

I love your concept with art style. Even with an artist who has a distinct art style, I think we need to move into seeing artists as evolving & changing, just like how we see humans...you aren't the same version of yourself 3 years ago, or even last year (or at least, I evolve every 6 months to a different version of myself and don't stay the same).

[@hoppingwren]

I totally agree about art style, many of the modern greats like David Hockney or Claire Tabouret or Ai Weiwei do vastly different things in their painting, or in other mediums too. Make make make whatever strikes you!

[@tricialeach1125]

Just here representing water with lemon juice! Fab video!

[@strawberry_moonlights]

I think when it comes to art style sometimes artists just connect differently to different mediums and like the way you work on digital art is not the same as traditional art and forcing it to have a specific style just takes away the fun of it. But the more you experiment and the more you're comfortable with your own art you'll always have certain features that are identifiable and connected to you

[@rebeccathomas3031]

the art style is a trap is so true!!! I do so many different types of art and the way that it makes me feel when i look at the things that I make are the most important thing. I draw things that make me feel...happy, curious, and sometimes even scared, like spooked out! The drawing of abandoned buildings I do make me feel like im there and that someone is behind me watching me, Is that weird, sure. I like that! i wonder what someone else feels like when they see it.

[@Alyona_Judina_ART]

This painting is so amazing ❤❤❤ thank you for letting us see this magical creation process! Very inspiring! Makes me want to run and grab my supplies asap!!!

[@sadiebrown4353]

Everything that u said about the art style stuff was true. Every time I found a “new art style” I would feel the need to delete all my posts or create a new account so it could be cohesive. Ur talk was so eye opening and was relaxing to me, it feels like I can rest knowing I can just go with the flow

[@karolilie]

I agree so much with what you what you said about art styles. We need to put the hunt for art style to rest. Accept that whatever you draw is coming from you through your own interpretation, which makes everything you draw “your art style”. That’s my opinion.

[@taliseella]

.. yes yes yesss another Leigh vlog :')

[@sincerelyceline]

Even after a hectic morning at work you always manage to send over calm vibes and entrance me with your painting❤~ Loved this short vid sososo much🙈💖💖💖💖 I've been thinking about finding a "style" lately too 😂so this video really confirmed that I just need to take a chill pill and experiment a lot~

[@SazBerry]

This painting is one of my favourite things youve shown online so far, i would buy it in an instant and have it in my living room to look at every day!! I also fully agree with you on the topic of art styles being a trap - let yourself explore and experiment and you'll naturally gravitate towards certain subject combinations!!

[@jessicaroweart]

Leigghghghghghghh! I can't tell if I like the painting more or the chatting about style theory more. It's so fun to watch you grow, this painting is 200% A++

[@CreativityCoffee]

Absolutely love the vibes of your videos ✨ they always inspire me so much, thank you so much for sharing

[@amyschmidt1113]

Dang!! I LOVE that neon green base. I love all your colors! Insane!

[@debrathain]

I love the answer to the question- How did you find your Art style? Perfect! I’m all over the place. Learning and just like you said. Oh your answer helped me tremendously! I love to do it all!

[@ChantelleArts]

It’s interesting to hear your thoughts on finding an art style. I’ve definitely been trying too hard to find it 🥺❤️

[@studiosherlen]

this video showed up on my recommended and im thankful about it. my anxiety has been through the roof due to family emergency and your videos are so calming, your voice is so soothing. thank you. also using raw canvas fabric without the rigid wood frame sounds so intriguing, i'll deffo give it a try

[@sadieislola4092]

Finally made it to a premiere !!

[@LeighEllexson]

thanks for coming to my sudden premiere lol >=)

[@fromcarlyb]

thank you for the hydration reminder !! also your art style is SO beautiful. the colours make my heart so happy. love your work.

[@kathleenphillips6445]

I can tell you are deep into making this painting and that’s how I like to work too. It’s a journey and time stands still when I’m working. I love your colors, and I’m going to try that fluorescent green.

[@georgiaquinn5932]

I found your answers to the questions very inspiring and helpful. I also would like to say that this painting is just beautiful x

[@Liiisaaamee]

thank you for saving the day

[@ladyandwonderland]

Love your work and your comments about the trap, so incredibly true! So easy to fall into, especially with social media constantly pushing you to be one thing (or niche down). Love your videos!

[@sheilasibo8323]

Great advice about “finding your style” Looking for that has robbed a lot of JOY from my creative process. Thanks for sharing this!

[@lar_s]

You and PearFleur are consistently the channels I go to when I wanna feel motivated to make art. You always inspire me and give me a fresh perspective! Thank you for making art feel accessible, non-scary and fun to a nervous lil amateur like me. Much love Leigh!!:)

[@JamilaCAHProwse]

totally agree with you re being boxed in by a style. i often find this with mediums too; i tend to have an idea and there's a specific medium attached instead of feeling particularly attached to or well versed in one. you definitely see this with commercial artists who become big with a certain style and then are under pressure to stick with it. i think the main joy of creating is the freedom, playfulness and experimentation. lovely video!

[@ryeu8154]

thankyouuu so much! ive been struggling a lot lately but your advice really moves me! i think i don’t need to box myself to make a certain art such as painting or illustration, when we can actually do both! thankyouuuuu. i think i worry too much about niching myself

[@GrumpetteJV]

Oh, I love this. Both your painting and talk. Green and pink is my favourite colour combination. 😍

[@gingerbop157]

ugh i love this painting so much. loved watching you working it all out in real time too. Totally resonate with your take on art styles!

[@LeighEllexson]

Thank u thank u 🥰

[@Lillyjoy]

I love your talk about art styles, I do nature photography so that has been the only thing I’ve posted on Instagram but I just started doing book photography too, and it’s fun to branch out and have variety! And I can still incorporate nature and have it still feel like me. Also I love the premiere countdown art it was super cool!

[@LeighEllexson]

I’m so glad it felt relatable !! Trying new things is fun 💯🤩

[@faerieofstars]

Love ur vibes and advice Leigh! 🫶

[@art.i.schock.e9991]

I love the piece you made ❤❤❤ And I also agree on your thoughts on artistic style !!

[@jaclynbaerart]

Love your studio, painting and whole vibe! Thanks for the video!

[@LeighEllexson]

glad you like ♥︎

[@heatherhoepsintuitiveart]

thank you for your take on the topic of a personal art style. I love how you explained it. It's exactly how I feel 🙂

[@izzyy1680]

Thank you for the advice on art styles! I've been in a slump from creating because i couldn't find my personal style. I will try to create according to my vibe from now on hehe

[@freyaniamhdesign]

Completely agree with your view on art styles. Especially when sharing work on social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of creating art to look good on the grid. I'm trying to take myself away from the 'perfectly aesthetic feed' and have more fun with the creation process, experimenting more with media, colours, and ideas. Your work is gorgeous!

[@jasminescorse-chen6657]

i come back and rewatch this video so often

[@redandpink219]

Great advice Leigh, also love the painting and seeing the process.

[@abundantwildflower1276]

Oh my goodness, Leigh! Best advice ever about art style! ✌💛

[@linkiba1801]

amazing video I loved every second ! 100% agree with your opinion on styles, i feel like its just a thing that happens naturally over time

[@juabiusi]

Thank you Leigh. So good to hear this. I needed it

[@BewitchCraft]

I think plants vs animals, plants make sense. Plants can look wonky, ever gotten a flower with a torn/missing leaf? You can make a lot of shapes and it can still read as a plant. Animals are specific, if you get too wonky it can not read as an animal lol The art style debate..ugh. I agree 100% with you. I feel like the internet can be an amazing place where we can network and see all kinds of wonderful things from people we might not be exposed to in our every day lives. But I also feel like the internet ruined my perspective of my art and my relationship with it and I'm trying to get that back. I never used to focus on the things I *can't* do well, I just..did them. I found myself avoiding things if I didn't think I could make it look amazing. In a world of social media and heavily curated feeds, sometimes we don't see the mess and failures. We can actively know this and STILL fall into toxic mindsets. Having a style seemed so pressed upon me in my deviant art days. It felt like there was constantly new rules. I'd see people shaming artists if they liked to draw mostly one thing or claiming they were copying X if they used a similar color palette or theme. I think some of that comes from monetization. Some people find something that works and then they get weirdly territorial about it. Like gatekeeping what style brush or paint they use. Idk, I feel like I'm carrying on all to say... I agree and I hope we can all unlearn the toxicity we've been fed and just..create.

[@photostakelaurel]

was too busy crocheting along to this video to drink any water, but when I got to the end you know I took 3 big gulps and finished off my water bottle :)

[@Booyavuzselimulun]

I love this video, thank you for showing your process 🤩

[@lucyn5372]

if you staple the canvas to the wall all around the edge and then prime it -the primer drying and the tension with the staples will stretch out the creases that were in the canvas at the start and are quite hard to get out!

[@yoongibean]

HOLYYYYY the first brush strokes of that fluorescent chartreuse

[@saradee8435]

Thanks for this I have been trying to find my style ... as a child i painted along with bob ross and was good and got stuck .. then stopped painting because i felt boring. Now I am painting again and I am all over the place trying everything, i feel so confused .. this made me feel so much better.

[@jasminhabib5065]

no because thankyou for saying that about the art style. as a nd girlie i've been struggling with this, especially when wanting to sell my art. ugh thankyou!!

[@jessicastrideart]

Love what you said about art style and I love this painting!💚💖💚💖

[@alannahmcquade9593]

Obsessed with this video 💚 sipped two waters thank you

[@honeydewhelena]

this piece is soso pretty

[@nematarot7728]

This was heavenly! 🎨🍀✨ And plants 100%

[@ultraviolet734]

I love this painting ! 🎨✨️

[@impish22]

how fun, thanks for posting

[@saramcmican]

just so lovely.

[@brittanysalzone]

Love this painting! It looks like you had a ton of fun with it :]

[@Liv-uh6to]

you have a beautiful studio! soo jealous of the space you have to create

[@DeborahWoodthorpe]

beautiful painting. very relaxing to watch this come together

[@marisaanna]

love this

[@funkyfindsanddesigns8510]

Love the video! Also I bought some of your proud hound stickers they are so cute. Thank you for the print you sent of your dog. It’s awesome.

[@kellymcginnis8631]

I really enjoyed watching you work, thank you. Very pleasant and peaceful and I wish I could have that painting on my wall.

[@thecasualgoth6666]

I would like to say you have already reached your goal! I have often looked at photos on Pinterest and thought “Leigh probably made that” and I love it and I want your art lol

[@artbyalexis24]

this makes me feel less stressed about my style, thank you leigh!

[@anitasmith404]

Totally agree with you about art styles. 👏

[@beccogiallo]

I really love this wonderful painting.