Elena Rossi
Choosing a subject to paint can be challenging, even for experienced artists. While academic tradition once dictated subjects, painters today have a vast array of options, from portraits to landscapes, still lifes to historical scenes. A good starting point is to paint what you know and what you're passionate about. Ask yourself: What have I painted in the past that I loved? What subjects do I keep returning to? What do I want to get to know better? Looking at your past work and the work of other artists can also provide insight and inspiration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choose a subject you are passionate about | This will help you stay involved and focused |
| Identify subjects that you keep returning to | Choose a subject that inspires you to explore and create |
| Reflect on your past work | Identify subjects that you have painted better than others and that have more life to them |
| Consider your favourite artists and their work | Think about the types of subject matter that attract you |
| Find inspiration in everyday objects | Look for geometric shapes and study how light and shadows interact with them |
| Practice regularly | Paint the same object multiple times to see improvement and apply lessons learned |
| Study the masters | Learn from artists like Monet, Dürer, Chardin, and Morandi, who found inspiration in diverse subjects |
| Explore different genres | Portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and historical scenes are traditional subjects to consider |
| Observe your surroundings | Look for interesting compositions, such as light and shadows, reflections, and textures |
What You'll Learn
Identify what you're passionate about
Identifying what you're passionate about can be challenging, as it requires introspection, exploration, and even courage to step outside your comfort zone. Here are some ways to help you identify what you're passionate about:
Pay Attention to Your Daily Tasks and Activities
Notice the daily tasks and activities that bring you joy, excitement, and fulfilment. These can be specific meetings, tasks, or unexpected surprises that end up being the best part of your day. Consider whether these high points occur during work or outside of it, and who you spend this time with. This will help you understand whether your passions are related to your career or other aspects of your life.
Reflect on Your Interests and Hobbies
Look at the topics of books, magazines, films, or podcasts you enjoy. Consider if there is a common theme or genre among your hobbies and interests. Think about the activities you loved as a child, such as drawing, writing, or dancing. Ask yourself what topics or activities you could talk about for 30 minutes without preparation or what you love teaching others about. Your hobbies and interests can provide hints about your passions and what truly matters to you.
Identify What Makes You Happy
Begin by identifying the activities or topics that make you happy and bring you joy. Engage in self-reflection to understand your values and interests better. Explore new experiences and be open to learning and expanding your knowledge. Passions are often associated with strong feelings of enthusiasm and a deep desire to engage, even if the activity is challenging.
Recognize Patterns and Long-Term Interests
The human brain loves patterns, and these can provide clues about your passions. Look for recurring themes in your life, such as a need to travel or a gravitation towards certain authors, speakers, or businesspeople. These patterns are how your subconscious communicates with you and can guide you towards building a life aligned with your passions.
Embrace a Positive Mindset
Having a positive mindset is crucial when discovering your passion. Be open to new adventures and excited about the possibilities ahead. Understand that finding your passion is a journey that takes time and patience. It's not a race, and nurturing your passion is an ongoing process. Be kind to yourself and embrace the exploration with courage and an open mind.
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Reflect on your past work
Consider the types of subject matter that attract you in galleries and museums. Think about your favourite artists and the themes they explore in their work. Identify objects or subjects that you would like to get to know better through painting. Reflect on whether working with a particular subject matter generates more ideas while you're painting. Do you find yourself thinking about how you can improve or depict the subject differently the next time you paint it?
If you notice patterns in your answers to these questions, you can identify the subject matter that truly interests you. This self-reflection can guide you in choosing what to paint and help you develop your artistic style.
Additionally, examining your past work can reveal technical areas for improvement. For example, you might notice that you struggle with painting hands and decide to focus on improving your skills in that area. By reflecting on your past work, you can identify specific aspects of your painting technique that you want to refine.
Past work can also inspire future creations. You might revisit a subject you've painted before but approach it from a different perspective or with a new style or technique. Reflecting on your past work can spark ideas for experimentation and growth as an artist.
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Consider what you're drawn to in galleries and museums
When visiting galleries and museums, it is important to reflect on the types of paintings that draw your attention. This self-analysis can help you identify your preferred subject matter and artistic style. Ask yourself thoughtful questions, such as:
- What types of paintings captivate your interest in galleries and museums?
- Are you consistently attracted to certain themes, such as landscapes, portraits, or still lifes?
- Do you find yourself gravitating towards specific artistic styles, such as abstract, realistic, or impressionist paintings?
- Are there any particular artists whose works resonate with you, and what subjects and styles do they typically explore?
For example, you may discover that you are drawn to landscape paintings that showcase the beauty of nature, such as majestic mountain ranges or tranquil river scenes. Alternatively, you might find that you are captivated by detailed still-life paintings that masterfully capture the subtle textures and lighting of everyday objects.
By contemplating these questions and observing your attractions, you can gain valuable insights into the subjects and styles that resonate with you on a personal level. This self-awareness will help guide your artistic journey and allow you to create paintings that truly reflect your passions and interests.
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Look at everyday objects in a new light
Choosing a subject matter for a painting can be challenging, but everyday objects can be a great source of inspiration. Artists throughout history have found inspiration in the familiar, from Chardin's paintings of condensation on glass to Morandi's psychologically thrilling still lifes. Even if you don't have the means or desire to travel the world in search of exotic subjects, you can find endless beauty and interest in the objects around you.
A great way to start is by looking at ordinary objects in a new light. Try to see them from a different perspective, literally and metaphorically. For example, an apple can be a simple subject, but by focusing on the play of light and shadow and the interaction of shapes, you can create a captivating composition. As one artist advises, "Fruit is always good and focusing on those value and colour gradations is really similar to drawing people."
Another approach is to zoom in on your subject, letting it fill the canvas and perhaps even spill off the edges. This technique can make even the most mundane object, like a sliced cabbage, intriguing and unexpected. Playing with different backgrounds, such as using coloured paper instead of plain white, can also add interest and depth to your paintings.
If you're a beginner, it's best to start with objects that have simple geometric shapes. This will help you understand how shapes interact with each other and their surrounding space. Avoid highly reflective objects at first, as capturing the intricacies of light and reflection can be challenging. Instead, focus on how light falls on shapes and casts shadows. Espresso pots, cups, and glass jars are all fun objects to experiment with.
Don't be afraid to paint the same object multiple times. Each time you paint it, you can apply the lessons learned from the previous attempt, and you'll likely see improvement, which is motivating. As one artist puts it, "Paint the apple again? [...] you can paint the same thing for ages with different results." By looking at everyday objects in a new light and practising regularly, you'll develop your style and find your unique subject matter.
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Study the masters and learn from art history
Studying the masters and learning from art history can be a great way to improve your painting skills and develop your own artistic style. Here are some tips to guide you on this journey:
Choose Your Learning Style
Art history can be approached in various ways, so find what suits you best. You can opt for online courses, books, videos, or a combination of these resources. Online platforms like Skillshare offer affordable access to thousands of high-quality art classes, including drawing and painting lessons. Alternatively, you can explore free online courses like Khan Academy's Art History, which covers art from various cultures and historical periods.
Dive into Art History
Art history is a vast subject, so it's essential to tailor your learning journey. You can start by focusing on specific artistic movements or periods that interest you, such as European painting and sculpture, and gradually expand your knowledge. Learning about art doesn't have to be chronological; instead, you can explore different centuries, major movements, and the cultural events that influenced them.
Study the Masters
Select artworks created by the Old Masters or artists whose work you find captivating. Start by making simple sketches over their original pieces to understand their techniques and aesthetics. Analyse how they guide the viewer's gaze through the use of shapes, lighting, colour, and composition. This process is not about copying but using it as a tool for analysis and understanding their artistic choices.
Practice and Experimentation
After studying the masters, it's essential to put your knowledge into practice. Create original paintings that implement the techniques and aesthetics you've learned. This step solidifies your understanding and allows you to express your artistic voice. Experiment across different disciplines and approaches to develop your unique style.
Engage with the Art Community
Share your artwork with the world by joining online communities, such as student galleries, where you can receive constructive feedback and critiques. Engage with other artists, art lovers, and tutors to gain new perspectives and insights. This interaction will help you refine your skills and develop a deeper understanding of art.
Remember, studying the masters and learning from art history is a continuous journey. Embrace exploration, experimentation, and the joy of discovering new artistic techniques and ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
Finding a subject matter can be difficult, but there are a few ways to narrow down your options. Firstly, think about what you have painted in the past that you enjoyed. What subjects do you keep returning to? Which of your paintings have more life to them?
If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to start with objects made up of basic geometric shapes. Study how these shapes interact with each other and the space they're in. You can also try painting the same object a few times in a row to see your improvement and apply lessons learned.
Think about the types of art you're drawn to in galleries or museums. Who are your favourite artists and what do they paint? What subjects would you like to get to know better through painting?
While it's true that some subjects are closely associated with certain painters, e.g. Van Gogh's sunflowers or Degas' ballet dancers, this doesn't mean you should avoid painting these subjects altogether. You can still find inspiration in these subjects and make them your own.
