WHY CREATING A BODY OF WORK AND STYLE IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR ART CAREER

[@rosecook8598]

I did artistic jewelry for twenty years. I now only do it occasionally for fun. Since covid and people being more casually dressed, the marketing for jewelry now is difficult. The designing of jewelry has been very helpful to my choice of colors. Now I am completely focused on painting. Yes like you, I can be distracted. I am staying focused. Tk you

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@DK-jg5vk]

I have watched a bunch of videos on this subject but have never been convinced that having a signature style is important. I have always thought of it as a limitation, but I think you've convinced me that it can be a good thing to explore. Your style doesn't have to be a confining permanent thing, it can and should evolve over time.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

I’m jumping for joy reading your comment!!! Yes your style absolutely should evolve. Some people think that when I say you should have a distinct style that means no evolution and you repeat the same work over and over. I absolutely don’t mean that. Once you master your style, as you grow as an artist, natural evolution will and should occur but your signature style will alway be the underlining theme of your work. ❤️❤️❤️

[@nancyloomis3046]

Yes! I tend to go off on too many rabbit trails. Thanks for the reminder to keep focusing on what I do best....explore later...after I start selling some work.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Exactly Nancy 😊

[@desertgrowngarden]

That is such a good point about knowing how to effectively limit yourself, in a positive way. I have such a creative wondering eye and get caught up in the latest newest thing. I think its more beneficial as a professional artist to be an expert in a focused niche, at least for items you want to market and be known for. You dont hear a lot of people talking about that. Thanks for tackling that idea so well!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Hi Nicole thank you so much. I'm so glad you found this interesting. I'm don't want to hide my idiosyncrasies anymore lol It's so helpful to me and others to know that we are artists lol we do things differently and that's ok !!!🥰

[@oracleofaltoona]

agree so much. I’m a writer and I have to force myself to focus. Such good advice about developing your expertise rather than scattering your efforts.🎢

[@NishatRehman]

I can so much relate abt the wandering eye thing. I started as a painter, moved on to become an animator then for 10 years traveled as a photographer and wall muralist and also upcycle lot of stuff..i soemhow knew this not being practical and being an expert in one thing but just couldnt confine myself to one medium..now at this point i can just market myself as a photographer or muralist when i have great body of work for both but now i am getting back to be a studio artist from ground zero and also trying to start summing up my journey through videos..it may not mean being established as a master of one field but thats I guess being artist means..the one who follows the heart and path of creation no matter the medium 😇

[@throughjenslens44]

so helpful and relatable!!

[@sallygoodrich7098]

Wait - did you see all the crazy art supplies I asked for (and got) for Christmas? That I really haven't used but I just like to look at them? You are awesome! I love this video! I love the beginning where you say if you're copying or "inspired" by someone else you are just advertising for them. I know we have all seen those!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahaha😊 drives me crazy lol

[@michellefrankel3513]

I’ve learned so much from watching and listening to you. Your amazing. Thanks for sharing so much with us.

[@CourageousPainting]

I love how you know your strengths AND weaknesses. I think one of the hardest things for me is staying focused on what I love and I’m good at. The minute I’m intrigued by another medium I’m whisked away and trying to start something new from ground zero when I already have something good. You are such an inspiration and a joy to listen to and watch!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Awwww thanks so much Christine....took me a lot of years to know my strengths and weaknesses.

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

Oh, man, did I go through that! There's so much cool art around, you can't help wanting to try new things---like mixed media.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

@@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace I know i know....It's really hard to not want to dive in...It's a constant battle for me.

[@NishatRehman]

I can so relate to you ..I started as a painter, moved on to become an animator then for 10 years traveled as a photographer and wall muralist. Also upcycle lot of stuff. i soemhow knew this but just couldnt confine myself to one medium..now at this point i can just market myself as a photographer or muralist when i have great body of work for both but now i am getting back to be a studio artist and with ground zero and also trying to start summing up my journey through videos..I know its not practical but thats I guess being artist means..the one who follows the heart and path of creation no matter the medium 😇

[@nicoleschyns]

oh man, I relate to that so much, but I might have found my way in dealing with that issue - I actually made a video about it called "When focussing on ONE leads to doing NONE". Guess it is a problem many creative souls are facing 😅

[@meadowsartstudio6261]

Thank you, Lori! This makes perfect sense. When you mentioned the risk of diving deep into a variety of creative paths, I thought you were specifically talking to me. The last technique I dived deep into was liquid art/acrylic pour. Although I was initially drawn to the lack of control over the outcome in this technique, which I thought would cure perfectionism, that very same reason ended my obsession with it :)))

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

haha I'm sure a few more of us will resonate with that line lol

[@scraytonify1]

This is so good!!! Just watched another artist say your style just "comes out." Yet, I seem to have 15 different styles. But when you said to pick the paintings that excite me--that I can do. That is my style!! Thank you so much!!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

yay!!!!!! I'm so glad one extra little sentence made it clear🥰🥰🥰

[@CourageousPainting]

I just finished the video. You’re such a great teacher. 🤗 I was just thinking about a previous video and how you mentioned you didn’t like being on camera. I bet it’s crazy to think how many people you’ve touched and inspired with your journey and work. ❤️❤️❤️

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

It certainly has gotten easier.....I'm slowly getting desensitized 😂😂 It's been such a wonderful journey so far.

[@AngieDurbinCreates]

SO insightful, and something most of us need to hear. Drifting “off your game” because of a shiny new method of art or random ideas can derail us for sure. Even though at the time it feels like we’re doing good research and due diligence. But then we get out of balance, out of focus, and our true style ends up suffering. I really needed to hear this and you are extremely inspiring to me, thank you!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Yes Angie you said well in your comment!!! Staying focused is tricky when we are creative beings. So happy to hear that these videos are helpful. 😊😊😊

[@janinafisher101]

I am still in the exploration stage, and have tried a handful of things, but the more I paint, the more I feel drawn to some media, or techniques or subjects and less to others. As you say, you just gave to paint! paint! paint! - which to me means play and explore and eventually we will each be able to discern what we love and are good at. What did we do before KZbin! Great lessons, Lori!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

that's exactly my point!!!! right youtube is the best!!!!

[@suezart]

OMG girl -- SAME!!! Rabbit hole's I go down - when I get intrigued by something! I've learned to tell myself - it's PROCRASTINATION! Just go do your work. haha. Doesn't always help - sometimes I have to just dabble and get it out of my system.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahaha I love it. lol it's amazing us artist get as much completed as we do 😂

[@renegonzalez3586]

Good commentary on "body of work", style, brand. "Taking that one great piece and transforming, creating variations of it...'" Thx. Rene'

[@kinderen3ful]

I am from Belgium and learning a lot from you you tube advices. Thanks a lot. You ‘ake great art which i love.

[@bootiebromley999]

Best online art marketing teacher I’ve found

[@fatoomgierdien110]

Wise words!! Thanks for your video. 👌‼️♥️

[@YogaBlissDance]

I"m a retired art professor and I used to work in education at MOMA in NYC so yes a style is CRUCIAL to be taken seriously. It would be like a writer who writes poems one month, spy novels, historical fiction and then whatever else with no thread of continuity. IMagine if that was Stephen King...he's know for ONE THING...esp at first. Your style can evolve but get folks to know you and trust you for a certain way/theme of art!!!!

[@fatoomgierdien110]

You are Amazing and Real!! Thank You. Cape Town. ‼️♥️👌

[@jasonzahra6090]

Hi there 😀! Well, yes I hear you clearly. The way I do it, to help me not become stale, I use more than one style. It helps me with my creativity in a way and as you have mentioned, I really don't like to be defined, or categorised. So, I do build my bodies of work slowly, by adding to series from time to time. Usually it's the ones that take time to finish. So, I have what I call my in betweens, that take less time to make. Like at the moment, I am doing some psychic automated abstracts, that I enjoy painting, which free me up. Therefore, they refresh me for the next tasks. Thanks by the way for the wonderful tips! All the best Zeal.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

That's fantastic...and such a great thinking. 🥰

[@ceciliaecheverri-velasco8048]

Lori, I think you hit the nail on the head. These videos about thought processes, decision making and methods/techniques/frameworks to think about our art and how to go about making it and selling it is uncommon. It could become a unique path your videos can take, they would be very valuable. This video was enlightening for me, thank you! I also think you should transcribe your videos and post them on your website as blog posts - easy peasy.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Hi Cecilia.. this is exactly what I'm trying to do with my channel. Something a little bit different and want I would have loved to have access to when I was first starting out as an artist, so thank for your words. I'm glad this channel is helping so many people. That's a great idea but that will have to wait. I lose about days in the studio trying to keep up with one youtube video a week. They are a ton of work and each week I keep saying I can't manage this anymore 😂 and yet here I am.

[@lindaspaulding1021]

It helped so much to talk about distractions and allowed me to recognize that about myself. 👍

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

yes active brains can be a burden and a blessing

[@gillykubeart]

I needed to hear this Lorri, thanks so much 😄

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome!

[@LBPScorp]

Once again, u make it So clear of how I need to focus on one style... I just seem to want to 'do it all' NOW... Thanks again for sharing your 'words of wisdom '. BLESSED BE U N ME...

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome and so glad I was able to get my message across 🥰

[@lw1756]

This is EXACTLY what I need to hear! I tend to get distracted with different ideas and mediums. Thank you!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You're so welcome and I'm glad it was helpful 🥰

[@lou-anncouch3147]

I never thought about having a boundary around the art I do. I am transitioning from representational art/portraits to abstract....still building my body....I'm body building! Thanks for these fun videos!!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahahaha Let's get our Arnold on.

[@nelleferrara812]

I have been a painter, artist you many, years at least 50 yrs and abstract seems to be where I am best known. However, once and awhile I need to do a landscape or flower in a contemporary look. Not traditional. And have had success in my look or style. Your videos are so good to follow, and I always learn a lot from them. They are clear, well spoken and very east to understand. I thank you for your thoughtful generous help to other artist. We always experiment and that keeps our work fresh. Thanks my friend. Nelle Ferrara

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thank so much Nelle for your thoughtful comment.

[@sarasandstrom7617]

Haha! You're talking about me. LOL - I have lots of painting supplies, sure, but also... quilting, leather working, wood working, and wouldn't it be cool to get into stained glass?!?! I'm desperately trying to focus strictly on my painting!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahahaha Stain glass would be cool though lol.

[@lanceamicinew]

much thanks for your no-nonsense advice.

[@a.humphries8678]

Ohhhh, man. The talk about distraction hit home!!!! (I've recently almost gotten distracted by the cold wax too!!! Lordy!) Great, fabulous, content!!!!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

LOL I think this video came at a pretty good time I needed a chuckle and it’s nice to know there’s so many of us out there that get distracted so easily by new things to play with 😂

[@GodsDevelopmentPlan]

Omg this advice was right on time for me because I’ve just learned my style as a new artist & in a way this gave me permission to run with that & think of ways to expound on that as opposed to thinking I’m cornering myself...there’s liberty in cohesion 😌

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

YAAAAA !!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@maryclarenolan4560]

Thank you, great advice and information, said in a very simple way.

[@ninaocean3958]

Thank you for your message 😊.

[@aliciarandall4285]

This is by far the best explanation on getting clear on having a signature style! I love how you break everything down and explain your thought process!!!! Thank you thank you thank you for your videos. 💗💗💗

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

YESSSSSSS thank you so much !!!

[@oldforestforge]

Totally relate to what you said about diving deep, Ive been a tattoo artist for eight years, and whilst that’s given me many great friends and things in my life - it made me miserable that It took away from my art, it took chronic back pain from working and lockdown to make me reassess the direction my life was headed in,

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

The pandemic did the exact same thing for me too. ❤️

[@CeeCeeArt]

You are so so right!! I've spent waaaaaaay too much time getting off track because I'm addicted to any new art supply that I see. I really try to limit my time on youtube because I love to watch other people paint, but then I get side-tracked. (However, this doesn't mean that I won't watch YOUR painting videos, LOL)

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahaha too funny Cyndi....🥰

[@dianneloftstaylor]

Makes sense - I am just at that stage where I have finally got a body of work - still working out my voice but I can see the threads throughout my work over the last 15 years

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

thanks great Dianne. those threads are so important.

[@rashazabad]

thank you lori for your valuable information you came up with and sharing them, wish you the best.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome

[@kit922]

This is the best KZbin channel ever

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Oh my gosh!!!!! thank you so much 🥰🥰🥰

[@vishaliapillay9134]

Thanks so much Lori! Such brilliant advice 👌❤️

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alessiascolours]

This is so useful. I paint so many different things in so many different styles with so many different mediums on so many different substrates of so many different sizes that I have a massive body of work but it looks like it was done by, say about, 10 different people 😅 I need to choose the person in me that I like the most!

[@NativeIntelligenceCheckMyDJmix]

Another great video to start my art day with....almost over this lingering covid and will be able to think and work again.....months ago I had to make an assertive decision to concentrate on a painting career over music. it's really tough but i know i can't split that focus if I want to fully realize one business. If you came into my studio you would think that 6 different artists worked there lol... Been good for me starting out to go full spectrum random because now certain styles and narratives are unfolding that are stronger than others. So far I have an 8 piece abstract flower series..also People seem to really like my latest circular geometric target piece that is exploding with color...time to make about 14 more of those in different shades (but not copies)lol. As you say, trying to find my first COHESIVE body of work...it's only the most important thing in finding/growing a brand...this is not easy stuff to explain and you do a great job of it....I'm just glad I am getting confirmations rather than confusion. Tells me I'm on the right path.

[@MarnitzVermeulen]

Finding your own signature style to create the body of work takes a lot of different techniques and mediums, learning from others and eventually finding what makes you feel comfortable with what you want to say with your work - is what I get from your video. Yet, every time I am inspired by another artist and learn new and different ways of creating something, it often leads to repetition of that method - until I feel I have mastered it. But soon I am finding myself distracted to try something else. I guess I will just have to carry on until I feel that my signature is truthfully mine. Thanks...valuable lesson!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Yesss exactly!!! Too many times to today with social media I can see to clearly who their influences are. Sometimes I can't even distinguish the work from the true artist that created the initial concept. You are needs to be yours not a good copy of the original artist's work. How a how painter paints is as unique as their written signature.

[@BrianWilkesMedia]

Thanks, Lori! I'm returning to art after a nearly 50 year absence, and focusing in on a medium, style, and preferred subject area is taking time. I want to taste EVERYTHING on the Smörgåsbord! Yet I realize that commercially, it's best to concentrate on just a few niches.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Yes. I love the smorgasbord too but getting the artist brain to focus is really important. Welcome back to the art scene 😊

[@vanajacotroneo9662]

Like so many others here - I too have always said "but I love all 3 mediums...can't give up one for the other"! But this month, doing Reels on IG also, answering questions like "what is my brand" (didn't know what it even meant!), I finally understand - so your video is awesome and so are you. Look how many people you are inspiring!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

I'm completely blown away!!!! I can express a 1000 times how grateful I am but it still wouldn't come close to how I feel. So glad I was able to put this into context for you ❤️❤️❤️

[@blacksheep841]

Thank you fir this video 😊really appreciate it

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

My pleasure 😊

[@katjasgreenfluidart9745]

Every single word makes sense!! Thank you for this and all the other really helpful videos!! You are a wonderful person. I could watch your videos all day long. 🎉🎊🌺🌸😊😊

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

I'm so glad! and thanks 🥰

[@lyndawoods1144]

O you are so right. I dive into everything deep, now I have a flat full of paints crayons and textiles etc etc. Now I will take notice Thank you.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Wonderful!

[@gavinyates9189]

One can have great style and go a long way, one can have great technique and go a long way, but if one has great style and technique one can go a long long way. Thank you for your videos.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Truly thank you so much!!

[@aurorapintore9356]

Your suggestion are THE BEST!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Glad you like them!

[@lindaspaulding1021]

Thank you! I should watch this ever day. Appreciate your sharing expertise!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You're very welcome!

[@vivekagudmundsson9624]

Thanks.are you reading my mind.?? This are my problems. I hade a panicatac yesterday in my artstudio.but i know that im on the right track. Im so glad I Faound you.now i know what to to.love and hugs from sweden.🥰🙋‍♀️

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Just breath!!!! 😊 I'm having one of those days too..

[@laureenkarry2856]

Another great video Lori, thank you! The info here can apply to any entrepreneur who is creating a product or service for others - consistency, creating on a regular basis and sharing those creations, and niching down. Knowing yourself = knowing your clientele. Look forward to the next one!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

even an athlete wanting to make it the Olympics lol like USAIN BOLT !!! lol

[@micheleholdenart]

I really found tHis video very helpful. I like what you said about what comes easier. Thank you!Also noticed that i was the 1111 view. Very positive sign.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

So Glad it was helpful!🥰

[@canadagal4907]

This was great. The part about paying attention to what comes easily was articulated very well....I will take it to heart! Thx. Love your painting style!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Glad it was helpful! Sometimes I stumble over what I want to say...so glad I was able to get my point out so people could understand it. 😊

[@adrivoulgarellis]

Thank you Lori, insightful & great info - your time and vids are much appreciated!:))

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome!

[@michellemann8556]

Hi Lori, I had an exhibition planned for May last year and it was cancelled because of covid and it threw me into a strange feeling of scrambling to redirect my way forward. I did a few other things but by end of year I was exhausted and had taken on way too much and got distracted. Like you were saying I lost my way with all the distractions. I’ve had some time off and loved what you say here about finding your signature style which I feel a new body of work is coming. 💖

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are not alone I in that feeling. It's been such a crazy time. Usually on the other end of it though will come inspiration so I'm sure a new body of work will be amazing. 😊

[@michellemann8556]

Thanks Lori, your so inspiring.💖💖

[@anjadommel]

What a great video lesson! Focus is sooo important. I had to learn that too because I like to jump from one thing to the next. But it really can be hard in first place to decide on what to focus and not regretting it.

[@conniedecarolis3173]

This is good to hear. I have felt a lot of what you are talking about. Also I could listen to you all day...you are so interesting.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Oh gosh thank you Connie that is so nice.

[@moonmother.]

Thank you so much Lori! Much love 💜

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome

[@haleymoseley3394]

I like you! Thanks so much for your content! I recent created safe spaces in my life to be able to focus on my art and your videos are so helpful and informative! You’re a great artist and Virgo! ❤️ So helpful.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

I love that you created a safe safe for yourself. good for you!

[@angshumansengupta6322]

Valuable advice and true realisation 🎨😊

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@TheSassyd3]

You gave me passion for painting Lori ... and I thank God for it everyday ... otherwise I’d be a mental case. lol. You did this for so many of us. I’m so happy to watch your incredible journey my friend 🥰

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you sooooo much 😊

[@gabriellegrawey1683]

Thank you so much🥰❤️ You’re addictive 😆 I’ve watched 6 videos back to back! I gotta get to sleep 😆😴

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Awww thanks Gabrielle! So nice seriously 🥰

[@catherinerains9274]

Such wise advice. Good reminder to keep focused.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

So important!!!

[@liviaampueda719]

I was needing to hear this. Thank you very much. I had a small feeling or suspect about it and you made it real and great.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@AbbeysArtPrints]

Yes I can definitely relate to that internal excitement……

[@kathleensworldd]

Awesome topic! Been working on this. It's like you are reading my mind! haha

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

haha Priceless😂😊

[@nilouferkhan8843]

Thank you so much for this video. You are spot on when you say that it is very important to have your own style and body of work in the beginning. The more you paint the more you realise what your good at and what comes naturally to you. So put those blinkers on and get going.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome! and yes yes yes !!!!

[@andyyolesen]

I appreciate you taking the time to express your artist passion and cathartic experience that I completely relate to... the energy we thrive and grow in that comes out in our art and in our lives. A passionate life is the only life truly worth living. I wish I had life coaches in my youth to direct me towards my creative passion that I was so enthralled with in my youth. Took me decades to become reacquainted with my true self again, during the months of unemployment I found myself in, after quitting a job I hated... I will become a professional artist one day, with all or most of my income coming from my art work... but mostly, I just want to do this every day, and in truth I actually do now, with priority to my art career path, and the part time gigs I do on the side. Don't even care if I am never wealthy enough for a nicer studio, and perhaps realize that these tougher times are actually the most creative times for my self exploration. Growing in technique comes naturally with time spent in our passion, but more importantly for me as an LGBTQ activist is the subject matter to express. thank you

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thank you so much for sharing this....I truly appreciate your words. Creating art is powerful and meaningful. Chase your dreams, it's worth it.

[@millasipolaart]

Thank you so much for this! ⚡️Your videos are so informative and refreshing. I have been struggling with having so many styles and mediums that I really like to do. But now I realize I’m still in the experiment state, and still finding my real style. I need to listen to myself more, that what is the thing that excites me the most while I’m trying out everything.

[@debtempleton9424]

Great advice thank you Lori and a great delivery! Cheers DT (NZ)

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@sallyhansen415]

Hi Lori! Thanks again for a great chat. I feel like we are sitting and talking art together! I totally get the diving in part! I took ONE stained glass workshop and went out and spent sooo much money on glass and all the tools! Craaaazy! I made like ten little pieces and realized it really wasn’t my thing. I agree that playing with a purpose and painting lots and lots will reveal your natural style.... As much as I really, really want to paint intuitively and create more abstract pieces, I usually finish with an abstracted landscape.... I just cant help myself! Lol!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahaha for years I have been dying to try Encaustics!!! I have been offered free opportunities at studios as well and each time I have to say a big NOPE!!!! One day when I decide to slow down and create exclusively for me I will have a go at it. 🥰🥰🥰 nawh good market out there for landscape abstracts and if that comes natural to you don't fight it...go with it. 😊

[@debrahenrichs2753]

What resonated with me was do what comes easy and lights me up - keep doing more of it...And then try to continue to try to replicate that feeling....very very well put...that works for me. Thank you so much for sharing. I really look for award to your weekly chats.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

awww thanks so much Debra...it makes me happy people are enjoying the weekly videos too 🥰

[@ElaineKehew]

Lori! Another brilliant video and you're sharing the best information. Great stuff. I have found it hard to commit to one style (although doing it better this year) but it is super important for marketing and being recognizable- no one fails to know that a piece is by Rothko, or Diebenkorn, or Mirabelli... big love, Elaine

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahaha Thanks so much Elaine..Your last sentence made me smile 🥰

[@riffsandpics]

Indeed. Spreading one's self too thin - gotta watch out for that. Unless those things somehow feed back into the main pursuit in which greatness is desired.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Yes exactly and that stresses the importance of reflecting back to make sure the journey you are on is right.

[@donnaburton1630]

Thanks Lori! Excellent knowledge!!!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome Donna! Thank you 🥰

[@maried.2551]

Thank you Lori, Agree 100%!!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

❤️❤️❤️

[@andreastorrie2224]

Wow yes Lori I have been a diver too! Now it all makes sense why so much of what I have done previously are all different media/styles. It's hard to find your niche; but you have given a great pearl of learning toward it!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Wonderful!❤️❤️❤️

[@annabelle8655]

That's helpful, thanks! I love so many mediums and techniques and it's true, so easy to get distracted. I'm finishing an assignment and then want to focus on a series of five, ten or however many paintings within the same theme and see what happens! I have an idea more or less and am exited to see how it works out and feel there are so many possibilities there to discover.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

That's so great Annabelle!!!! New ideas are super exciting!

[@janicecosenza1812]

I thank you so much Lori for this teaching video. This is my struggle right now is finding my style. You have given me permission to explore and experiment instead of trying to recreate someone else’s style. I really didn’t know I was doing that and my frustration is I can’t. A duhh moment for me. 😂. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to find me in my creative journey. ❤️.

[@lindasamuels792]

This is perfect! I have a studio filled with supplies that I bought and never touched because it's not really part of me! But I get caught up in videos and look at different techniques and think oooh, that looks fun! Hello Amazon lol! And your explanation about galleries? Brilliant :) Thank you, once again! Have a fantabulous day!!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

hahahaha Yeppp I'm sure a lot of artists are the same way

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

That was great Lori! If you look at Art History, all the great painters have a signature style. I can't think of one who doesn't. I'm in a place where I'm dissatisfied with my work because it borders on illustration---drawing comes really easy to me----and I want to move into fine art. Its an evolution inside yourself----it took months, but I now realize what it is I want to do and how to get there. Now I have to begin and will probably struggle a bit....But then---its all process, right?

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

yes absolutely! I still struggle lol some days I can paint and other days it's a struggle. So fight through the crappy parts lol cause there will be some frustration. 🥰

[@kerengurionart]

Thank you soooo much for this, Lori! I so identify with "diving" into something new. I really do need to avoid it, like you 😆

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome! 😊 yep welcome to the club lol

[@marychristophi6688]

Thank you for your wonderful explanation ,so so helpful . Mary from Cyprus🙏

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

@@marychristophi6688 My pleasure Mary 🥰

[@alyssasartgarden]

Such great advice...thankyou. I have a very cohesive style and sometimes I struggle with staying true to myself and painting with confidence. Authenticity is so important!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome! Absolutely authenticity is important too 🥰

[@janinafisher101]

Your videos are always timely and full of value, Lori! Thanks again!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

thank you so much !!!

[@nisacornforth2740]

I have been thinking about this for quite a while now...um years. Recently I have begun to take my art more seriously and I have spoken to some artists who have vehemently disagree with “defining your style”. But it makes perfect sense, why would a gallery want to carry your art if they never know what is going to be coming down the line? Thank you for articulating this it seemed so confusing but you have made some great suggestions that make perfect sense.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thanks Nisa.....that's not to say you have to keep recreating the same work and never evolve...I'm so guilty of always evolving but when you are showing your work at an exhibit you need to have a one body of work with a cohesive theme. I also try to evolve so that there is a thread of me in the new work.

[@nisacornforth2740]

@@lorimirabelliabstractartist for sure! You explained it so well, it was really helpful!

[@pinkarmadillomd]

WOW...I wish I could go back in time and share this with my younger self. I think you hit upon some key things not just about our own artistic styles, but concepts we can apply to our "life" styles as well. Thank you for sharing yourself and your work with the world💖

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thanks for sharing! and my pleasure 😊

[@sheryllarsen9238]

Thanks Lori, you have some great ideas!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

You are so welcome!

[@MollysFineArt]

Thank you so much Lori! You’re so helpful!🙏💜

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heyoka369]

beautiful simple authenticity. Thank you

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

thank you so much.

[@sterlingleefineart6608]

excellent advice and well presented as usual

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Glad you enjoyed it thank you so much. 🥰

[@judilynn9569]

OMG…as soon as you started talking about how you tend to hyperfocus on a new thing, I thought “Yeah, like I hyper focused on cold wax and oil”. And at 7:30, DARNED if you didn’t say “cold wax and oil”! LOLOL

[@k.y.6148]

I have been trying to develop a "style", but I am so attracted to so many different types of abstract, I just can't. But having so many pieces that bear no resemblance to each other also has an upside! I have one client who has bought 20 pieces from me, and another who bought 11 at one visit! Since my work looks like it was done by various artists, they can have different styles in different rooms. Very few of my clients buy just one. But I will keep struggling to develop a style of some sort! On the other hand, I have had mature artist friends telling me that they are able to tell a new piece of mine before I tell them. So, maybe I do have some sort of style that I don't see? I do need to produce more mature work, however. Keep up with the very helpful and informative videos! Thanks!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Just to clarify a style doesn't mean all your paintings need to look the same. I think you can look at my body of work and see they are different from each other but still something related to me as the artist. I have several people who buy more than one painting from me. People who buy art in general like to collect a few pieces from the same artist. I would say stop looking at other abstract art for a bit and dig internally for a bit and see if that help. Art should come from within and sometimes flooding ourselves with other peoples art stops us from having our own voice.

[@mattdellarosa7365]

I wish you put out more youtube videos. You have alot of insight to share that's super helpful. I get that it isn't your focus though. I appreciate seeing your posts on Instagram.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Hey Matt !! 🥰

[@mattdellarosa7365]

@@lorimirabelliabstractartist Hey Lori, it's good to see you on KZbin again. I'm also glad I joined your subscription on the ground floor before you have too many subscribers to manage all the comments. Thanks for the update.

[@jaywillingham4085]

You have officially become a part of my morning coffee wake up time ! ! ! ! !

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

haha that's pretty cool Jay..thank you 😊

[@analaserna2345]

Great help, Lori, thanks a lot!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolynavalos5415]

Thanks for another wonderful video.

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Thanks for watching!

[@barbarageis1728]

Thank you Lori! Very good advices! The world of creativity is so big and we can really get lost in it. esterday I painted a black canvas with strukture and I was over the moon. The color turned out so beautiful with a light shine. Now I have to make a decission about the next steps on that canvas. With all our colors, pigments and mediums we have sooo many possibilities today wich is great...but we also can got lost in it. Greetings from the cold mountains of austria!

[@lorimirabelliabstractartist]

Oh that sound wonderful Barbara!!! Yes exactly why some artist gets stuck in the series they are working in because the possibilities can be endless. Greetings Austria!!