Success or Failure?

There are four factors that contribute to the success or failure of a painting.

1. TECHNIQUE: The more proficient you are with the technicalities, the more free you are to pursue the creative aspects of making art.

2.  DESIGN/COMPOSITION: How you organize your picture. See Design: Elements & Principles

  3. INTENT/CONTENT: Your idea, your message.  It does not need to be earth-shattering, in fact it should be simple. You need to have an intent, but it must be general enough to not limit your freedom to experiment/play/follow the piece.  Change your intent only if something better presents itself, not just because it’s not happening quickly enough.

Your “style” is the work you do that is true to what you believe, to how you see your world, and to your own likes and dislikes.

4.  YOU (THE ARTIST): The biggest stumbling block to making good art is you. See Demons, Demons: Fear, Unrealistic Expectations, The Tyranny of Success