The fix list is divided into three categories, though I nearly set ‘storytelling’ in a category of its very own. Painting is, at is core, storytelling. Details, technique, theory, and craft only serve to reinforce your story. Consequently, no amount of craft will remove the need for story.
Style is commonly a target for beginners. We aim to reproduce the superficial elements from artists we admire, whether it’s subject-matter or craft. This strategy misses the essential ingredient of great work: the idea. Every painting should start with a clear idea, whether it’s written or sketched. If you don’t know what you’re drawing, how can you draw it well? In this episode of the fix list we’ll explore common problems with story, and how to fix them.