Summary
Highlights
Kevin and Sean define art style as a distinctive manner of doing something, specifically what separates an artist's work from others, making it unique and identifiable.
The hosts clarify the difference between style and subject matter, using George Rodrigue's Blue Dog as an example. The blue dog is a subject, while the way Rodrigue paints it—his brushstrokes and elements—constitutes his style.
They discuss various art styles like Cubism, Impressionism, Art Deco, and Baroque, noting that these genres are often defined by art historians long after the artists themselves have created the work. Artists weren't necessarily conscious of creating a specific 'ism' at the time.
A 2012 study from Lawrence Technology University is cited, where an algorithm analyzed thousands of paintings and categorized them into styles that precisely matched human art historians' classifications, suggesting that style can be mathematically quantified and is not purely subjective.
The discussion shifts to how artists can develop their unique style. They emphasize that style is ever-evolving and often influenced by outside sources, like Van Gogh's shift after seeing Japanese paintings. They also endorse the idea that 'artists steal' – meaning to borrow techniques and ideas from multiple sources to create something original.
Artists are encouraged to be self-aware of their inherent tendencies and habits in their art. While some elements might be disliked (like drawing big eyes), these can be refined through objective analysis and continuous practice. It's crucial to work through 'crappy drawings' to discover and elevate the 'gold' in one's work.
A story is shared about an artist whose style drastically changed simply by switching from round to flat brushes, highlighting the influence of tools and materials. They encourage experimentation with different mediums, even expensive ones, as a way to unlock new stylistic approaches and develop unique interactions with art supplies.
The summary advises artists to 'steal' from diverse sources, visit museums, carry a sketchbook, and continually draw to build muscle memory and a discerning eye. They also mention Chuck Close as an example of an artist whose style adapted and evolved due to life circumstances.