Trust Your Own Taste - Artist Advice 

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”~ Oscar Wilde . True words.

What a refreshing thing to hear from an art educator... "It's not what I like, it's what you like" I would have discovered my style much sooner if my professors had that mindset. Great video, thank you for this much needed advice.

Hi Mark.. One of my galleries told me to never use purple while another said never use orange. One of my art groups hates greens. A different gallery said never do low-key paintings. Art friends said never do abstracts. So, if I listened to all those voices, I'd only be painting high-key realism in primary colors. Yes - listen to your own voice because all of the others are crazy making.

So encouraging and meaningful. I wanted to do a painting of cows walking away in a field. My sister said “I don’t want to look at a picture of cow butts”. It turned out to be a beautiful painting.

If anyone ever doubts someone can change the world, let me tell ya this man changed my life. I am so happy I found him and I can't believe how he just selflessly gives all of his knowledge away to help everyone. My favorite channel.

Thank you for this advice, I switch too often between doing "my own thing" and painting what I perceive others want. I think I am hindering myself in developing my style. Part of my new years resolution was to work more on what I wanted to paint and spend time in my own in the studio, which is definitely benefiting my progress. You have reinforced my thinking, thank you for a great video.

Boom! 👌🏻💯I agree 100%. A few years back I was stuck midway on a piece and even felt like trashing it. An award winning artist friend stopped by and expressed how much she liked it as is and encouraged me to continue. It just didn't sing to me so I painted over everything I'd done except for my main subject, and went in a direction that immediately felt right for me. I entered that piece in a competition where it won first place AND sold. I'm glad I trusted my gut.

Thanks for this! My first painting in art school, I was working on a still life set up for us. A cow skull was the main emphasis, with a small vase, an apple, and different colored and textured fabrics. I had a saturated blue fabric screaming out to Jesus below the cow skull. I was going to revisit that bit later, but wanted to get lost in all the subtleties of the skull. The instructor happened by and was deeply troubled by the blue fabric detracting from the skull and used an umber wash to tone it down. The instructor painted on my painting. That inner little enthusiastic speckled puppy wagging his tail got smacked with a newspaper. I love art, but art school was depressing. I faded and got my BA with a salary. It’s hard finding a creative expression in life but harder to keep and develop it.

I am so fortunate to heard this video! I had painting classes before and my instructors criticized my paintings very strong, negative for me because I am stop to paint!!! After this commenting, I am already feeling more confident to start painting again! Thank you so much!

I was listening to an interview with Christopher Wallace (Notorious B.I.G) and he said that he never listened to contemporary rap when he was composing lyrics or working in the studio. In fact, he felt that drawing from his contemporaries would only make his work derivative. So instead he listened to reggae and, believe it or not, country music. It's where he found the most inspiration. Whether they had a direct influence is unclear, but what is clear is that he was unlike any other rapper during his era or since. I think that speaks to his ability to trust what he loved about music and how he wanted to present his version of it.

This only happens when you become that type of person through and through not just pertaining to art. Most people just aren’t that person and never will be. It’s too stressful to go your own way without the support of others so they compromise.

Good reinforcement. I have been successful for decades, but dragged down by many commissions and losing my interest. I am finally breaking loose and finding my own voice and enjoying the process again.

I'm a musical artist and i have gained a lot from this video !

Great advice Mark ! - This same attitude applies to personality too. I believe that true artwork comes as a result of that. It's rare to find a genuine person who isn't consumed by what others think of them or what the latest trend is.. basically being told what to wear, say, look like and even think.... this world is so insecure.

I think even ones 'own taste' is learned

Hi Mark, this was a just find and great to see you again. Great information. You are correct, but I appreciate how you want those who want to paint to get to know the basics. You do great and keep it going. To help with the unsolicited critiques, keep a lock on your studio door. Also, if you are out and have the occasional 'helper' stop by to give you some 'corrective' criticism, pull out your cheep supplies and let them paint along with you. Great information, Mark.

Very excited about the drapery lesson.

Great advice, not just for painters, but for writers, poets, composers...

This is so reassuring!! An individual path takes quite a lot to build, mostly because in general everyone believes they have a saying on what the artist is doing and that creating is an easy process and the artist is a lazy lucky bastard. But to be unique takes a lot of introspection, practice and time, without it there is no depth. And it can be a path filled with anxiety and a daily mental practice to not let others fears kill your inner spark! To be a follower in creativity is to be fearful of oneself. Thank you so much for being so soothing and most of all so dedicated.

Excellent timing for me since I am putting together my first proper solo show. I am really only just getting this idea through my skull! I had this recently where my son came in and said how much he liked the colour combination in something I was basically just starting, and from then it was very frustrating because I found myself trying to stick to those colours when the painting itself wanted to go elsewhere. I fought through it though and the painting finished up one of my best! Thanks for this x

Hi Mark, i searched and tryed very different things, styles, techniques ...so many until the moment came i felt lost, i lost myself by watching other people...recently i saw the light again...my own light...it has to be portraits and figurative oilpainting! My vision is actually very simple...painting people( my family) in a loose way while they just talk or just sit and get bored or the kids being goofy...really little moments in an ordinary day and lift these moments to another level by telling a story in the painting. Sometimes they are very funny too...really love this kind of painting and i love all your video's too! Thanks for sharing them.❤

This is incredible advice. I was married to my wife for 30 years and we were together for 40. She passed away in May 2021 but she always told me I couldn't paint so i didn't. What a waste of time.

Thanks, this video fell in a timely manner for me.

Thank you Mark There is a real generosity to your advice I have learned so much from watching your videos Many thanks Alan

This was timely. I’m new and still trying to find my style. Watching tutorials and demonstrations. Imitating what I see but I’m finding I’m drawn towards more textured pieces. This is what I needed thank you

Thank you for some of the best advice I’ve ever received as a new artist. I needed to hear this. Wyeth was smart indeed not to show his incomplete work. I’ve made the mistake of doing that. You just helped me understand why.

I loved this video. My eyes were having a ball with the background while my ears were enjoying the wisdom. I have not seen a better setup especially when the content is about visual art.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have been painting for 2 1/2 years and I am just about to throw the paints. It was so good to listen to this. I went to a 3 day workshop, my first ever 14 months after I started and I hated it, but stupid me I went for the 3 days, why, no idea. I have never really got my mojo back and the first 14 months were so fabulous. Since then I have been to some more workshops trying to get my mojo back. No more. I have decided workshops weren't for me. Now I cant decided on what I want to paint. Listening to this was like yes, yes, yes, that's me. Thanks again, I am going to see if I can strip myself back to my original feelings of painting. Cheers from Australia

Thanks! I needed to hear this again. Its applicable in almost every part of life

Thank you Mark, I've been struggling with people saying you should do this or that, and it kind of acted as a block, so I lost myself just for a tiny bit. Then I said to myself, no (the rebel in me surfaced) I'm going to do my paintings if what I want to do as they are a joyful story of made up situations. I ruffled some egos but I'm reasonably thick skinned, and I have my self back. So your wisdom came at a good time even though it was after my situation, as it just validated that I did the right thing for ME. Thank you for sharing your wisdom as it is most gratefully received. Cheers!

I’m watching this as a photographer and it helped me out a lot. I’ve kind of hit a wall where I’m just not satisfied with my work, even if people say they like it!! This helped. Thank you

Thanks for the great advice, never heard that in school or from others. It has taken me a long time to be able to listen to myself and ignore others opinions.

This is exactly why I stopped painting after art school and just started up again! Thank you for this!

Thank Mark... I have been guilty for so long of admiring other artist's work so much, I try to paint like them. It has been my curse. No more!

Thank You! Your words are so empowering yet humble, that they really push me forward and sprout creativity. Few days ago I was victim of exact problem, someone told me that they didn't like my painting is so dark and I subsided. Now I am not happy about it. It's astonishing how much courage painting requires.

So timely for me as I have been endeavoring to follow my tastes and not those of others (who believe they're helping) around me! Thank you! It's OK to say I appreciate your wanting to help, but I'm going to do it my way!!

What a great piece of advice! This should be required viewing for all young artists! Thanks Mark for taking the time you do with these videos! Much appreciated.

Wow! Saying “it’s nots what I like, it’s what you like!” is like music to my ears. Thank you so much for this advice. A lot of these people from Artist groups ask recommendations how to make their painting better even though I don’t see anything wrong with their painting. I started painting from my own photograph because I wanted to develop my own style. And my portrait artist friend said to me, start your own and see where that brush leads you. Anyway so glad to hear this advice!

i truly love your paintings and your info thanks

I am currently & for the past year or so, painting with watercolors. I have learned more from your lessons, in oils and the Q&A sessions than I have from the watercolor class (instructor). Very frustrating here where I live, San Joaquin Valley of CA., there is such a void of talented artists willing and or able to share their expertise and guidance and knowledge. This is not to mention finding upper tier of art materials/tools. This video has truly struck a loud chord with me, as my instructor is doing just the opposite of what you're sharing. What a breath of fresh air. Thank you. Taking a class from you sounds fantastic & is now on my bucket list.

I really like that, I personally have been listening to different artists saying that and That , paint this way , draw anatomy this way , that have been stopping me for while trying what artists say I should do , instead of listening to my self and making actual progress

This is so true! I wish every artist know this so no one can disturb their progress and journey. Thank you for sharing, such a great video 😊

You are a big inspiration. I have learned so much from you through years and I am still learning from your old and needs videos. Thank you

I just wanted to say thank you for making this video. It really spoke to me, I really appreciated your words.

Great message, Thanks for all your videos. I have discovered after 30 years of learning paint. You might have your mentors or painters you admire but in the end listening to YOUR voice will set you free, then Art begins.

Thank you for sharing this excellent advice. It's exactly what I needed to hear right now.

Thank you Mark. I literally had this thought earlier today; then returned home and saw your video. I am committed to getting out of bed as soon as I wake up in the middle of the morning (0300 hours) and paint exactly what I want to paint. It's been a couple of months since I picked up a paintbrush because I focused on what others were painting. Hmmm. I look forward to drapery video. Thanks again for sharing.

Hearing what you have to say brings relief to me because my biggest issue with starting to oil paint is the pressure of trying to be like other painters instead of doing my own style thank you 🙏

Thank you very much, Mark. Exactly what I need at this moment.

Thanks for enforcement of trust in the trust.

Wow, what a uplifting video. I'm no artist but I like your point of view that people should follow their own instincts, not someone else's. This could apply for many area's of our lives. You take the tension out of expression, thank-you for sharing with us.

This is the better advice I ever could have at this moment, thank you very much for share your knowledge!

Thank you!! Tremendous advice from a someone I respect. You are so kind in your lessons always, giving us space to decide what way we can go, even if following your instruction. Yes, I like what I make and I don’t (most of time) care what someone else might think or say. Thank you again.

I really like your message, thanks. I interpret this to mean: have integrity in the messages that you want to convey with your artwork and the nature and qualities of the techniques with which you choose to convey them. Thanks again.

Really great advice Mark. You have reminded me that I need to paint what I like to paint!

Thank you for this encouragement! I really needed to hear it.

That is probably some of the best advice I've heard. Trying to copy someone else just does not work.

man im really loving your videos and advice, thank you!

Thank you for your excellent leadership and materials. Really have enjoyed using your paint.

Thank you for this video it was exactly what I needed to hear.

The thing is, you can easily have someone evaluating your painting from a simple and narrow point of view. for example you painted a landscape and the person is just not into the landscape genre and the feedback would be almost ignorant. Also on the other hand and you have a portrait example where people only see and critique the likeness especially if they know the model in personal

great words for fellow artists, thanks Mark.

Wonderful as always. Looking forward to the new videos you have been working on. A big hello and thank you from me here in England on a beautiful early spring day and

Exactly what I needed to ear, thank you !

Thank you, this has given me more confidence in my own work.

Right on as usual! I learned early on that if I listen to what everyone has to say about my work, I’d be buffeted about in every direction and never find my way. Thanks again.

That's certainly sage advice!

Awesome advice! Nowhere near enough art teachers share this view.

Thank you! Very timely and feels like it was addressed just to me!

thanks man. a timely video for me and much appreciated.

You are my guru...Your website is my bible...always going back...Thanks a zillion....🙏🙏🙏

This means so much to me 💜 my preferred medium is music, but it's exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you!

Really appreciate all you videos

Mark is a total genius, and after discovering his channel, I truly think i don't need any other to supplement my art education.

Hi Mark , great to see you again, this is great video we must be our own unique artist. Fallow your heart be your self. Awesome explanation.

omg this video is full of wisdom!!! Thanks for sharing!

Great video 👍👍 looking forward to Thursday on painting fabric 👍

So true..follow your own taste

Thank you! This was very inspirational!

Wow, excellent advice. I needed that.

Thanks, Mark, that was a very inspiring and reassuring talk, just at the right time. You're good. :)

Wow awesome advice man. Thanks for sharing

Yes - agree 100%. Thank u for this advice

I am developing my drawing style and i had some problems but you helped me thank you very much

Inspiring advice, Mark, thank you

Thank you for the insightful advice 🙏🏼

Great advice man-I hope you understand how important what your saying is!

Thank you. I needed this

Great message !

Thank you for this wise and relevant advice.🙂

Thank you very much for your advice.

This apply's for ALL types of Art. Not just painting. Amazing advice.

I appreciate this💕🎨

Wise words, thank you

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Thank you so much 🥺🧡✨

Thank you, Mark. It’s good to hear this 🌹 Wonderful insight. I really want to paint the way I like and with the colours I like. In the end it’s good to be able to say ... l did it m~y wa~y 🎶 😁 This video is going to be my bible.

amazing advice. totally agree. x

Its a very wise lesson - you have to paint from your heart - and be able to hear the deep voice from your heartmind. To take classes is about broadening your techniques and knowledge, but its very important to express from your heartmind - from deep experience. I think that is Why sometimes very Young children make something that truly moves you - you can feel the honesty

Awesome advice.