Even if they are not aware of it, visual artists often develop some sort of narrative in their work. Storytelling takes many forms. At its root, it is about communicating and connecting with the viewer, which many artists aspire to do. “Michelangelo is one of the greatest artists in history. [Every] work he produced was informed by a story. Working in an unclear manner with no effort to reach your audience can be problematic,” says J.P. Peer, an oil and acrylic painting artist, draftsman and the creator of many fantasy images that speak to the worlds available to an artist with an open mind. “I used to think of each piece I did as a standalone work. But stepping up to a blank canvas can be intimidating. But if you have a story — or a world of stories — in mind, it’s like painting an entire world, one that’s created in your own style and by your own hand. It’s liberating. And, if you do it correctly, people respond and they escape thoroughly into your work.”
Your World of Stories
There seems to be an undeniable affinity between figurative and representational artwork and the presence of a narrative. What can differ is if it is one where fantasies come to the forefront, or it is steeped in representational realism. How do you find yourself using narrative and storytelling in your work? Is it in the forefront of your process or a more like a well of inspiration? Let us know by leaving a comment.
Tell Your Story
Ian Roberts demonstrates how to transform photos into through-provoking works of art. You learn how to let your inspirations tell your stories — merging your inner world with the hand that holds the brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7md9KTKsAg&feature=emb_logo
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