Why Do Artists Stick to One Style? A Reflection on Art, Identity, and Success
As an artist, I’ve often found myself wandering through different genres, techniques, and styles—painting whatever inspires me in the moment. If you've followed my work, you know I thrive on variety. One day, I’ll create an abstract landscape; the next, I’m experimenting with bold, geometric forms or vibrant cityscapes. It’s part of my artistic DNA to keep things fresh, and because I never repeat a painting or create prints of my work, this fluidity has been a key part of my unique selling proposition (USP).
But recently, an interesting thing happened that got me thinking about the concept of having a "signature style."
A Surprising Recognition
I was surprised—and, admittedly, flattered—when someone recently visited a home where one of my landscapes was hanging. Without seeing my signature, they immediately identified it as "an Awbery." This encounter made me pause. Have I unintentionally developed a recognisable style after all? And more importantly, should I be leaning into this?
It’s a question many artists grapple with: should I explore one style in-depth and make it my signature, or is the act of experimentation a valid path in itself? In an art world where many successful artists are known for one particular style, could I be missing an opportunity to grow by not settling into one recognisable approach?
The Power of a Recognisable Style
There’s no denying that many successful artists are synonymous with a particular style. Think of Van Gogh's swirling brushstrokes, Picasso’s angular figures, or Georgia O’Keeffe's large, vibrant flowers. When you see their work, you know it’s theirs without needing to see a signature. This consistency can be valuable, particularly for galleries and collectors who are often drawn to artists with a defined aesthetic. A recognizable style can help an artist build a clear identity in a crowded market.
In practical terms, having a defined style can also be beneficial for marketing. If someone falls in love with a particular piece, they may be more inclined to buy more of an artist’s work if they know it will have a similar feel. Galleries often prefer artists with a cohesive portfolio because it allows them to pitch the artist more easily to potential buyers. After all, it’s simpler to sell an artist who fits neatly into a specific niche.
Is Experimentation a Strength?
On the flip side, I’ve always felt that my ability to move fluidly between different styles is a strength, not a weakness. It allows me to grow as an artist and keeps me engaged with my work. Each painting is a new challenge, a fresh start. I get to explore new techniques, new ways of seeing the world, and new ways of expressing myself. It’s this curiosity that drives my creativity.
While some might say that this makes my work less cohesive, I would argue that it allows for a broad exploration of ideas, techniques, and emotions. My body of work might not look uniform, but it reflects my journey as an artist. And perhaps, even within this variation, there’s a thread of commonality—whether it’s in the colour choices, the emotion behind each piece, or the movement in my brushstrokes—that ties it all together.
In fact, that unexpected recognition of my landscape painting suggests that there may be an underlying "Awbery" quality to my work that I hadn’t even fully realised. So maybe consistency can appear even when you’re not intentionally chasing it.
The Gallery Perspective
From what I’ve observed, galleries tend to favour artists who can be easily "categorized." A cohesive style makes it easier for a gallery to present your work to potential buyers and to position you within a specific niche. Galleries thrive on predictability to some extent—they know what their buyers are looking for, and it’s easier to sell an artist if the work fits a clear narrative or aesthetic.
If I were to narrow my focus to one particular style, it might make it easier to get noticed in certain gallery circles. But at the same time, would that limit the breadth of my creative expression? Would focusing on one style become more of a box that constrains me rather than a signature that defines me?
Finding My Own Style—Or Letting It Find Me?
The question then becomes: how do I determine what my own style should be, if I were to consciously decide to narrow my focus? Perhaps the answer lies in reflecting on my past work. Looking through the pieces that I’ve created over the years, there are common themes that recur, whether I’m working in abstraction, realism, or something in between. There’s a certain vibrancy in my use of colour and a distinct energy in my brushstrokes that might point towards a signature style, even if I’ve been too close to the work to notice it myself.
Another approach could be to listen more closely to feedback from others. Sometimes, we are too immersed in our own creative process to see what’s obvious to others. The person who recognized that landscape as “an Awbery” might be telling me something important about how my style is perceived.
Is One Style the Path to Greater Success?
There’s no clear answer. Some artists achieve great success by sticking to one style and refining it over a lifetime. Others thrive on innovation and experimentation, and their work is celebrated for its diversity. In the end, I think it comes down to what feels right for the individual artist.
For me, the most important thing is that I continue to enjoy the process of creating. If my work resonates with others and someone can identify an "Awbery" from across the room, then maybe that’s enough. Perhaps my style is not about the type of painting I create, but rather the feeling or emotion I convey through my work.
A Conversation with You
What do you think? Do you believe artists should stick to one recognisable style, or is there room for more fluidity and experimentation? I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve followed my journey and have noticed something about my work that I might not have picked up on.
As always, thank you for being part of this creative journey with me. Your feedback, your comments, and your support mean the world!
Warmly,
Roy
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my paintings for sale on my website. There might be the perfect piece waiting just for you!
Until next time, happy reading!
Warm regards,
Roy P. Awbery