Every now and then, people ask me how they can make art that speaks feelings …

One way of answering that question could be to point to artworks of artists who have used a motif, composition, light, color, a story, or other visual tools and have successfully communicated feelings through their artwork. But I don’t think it would be of any real help to you. Cause yes, all of these may help, but not as a set of recipes that fit all.

The best way to make art that speaks feelings is to focus on your motivation for this particular work (your motivation can be anything, big or small, really – anything).

And how to focus? You might ask yourself questions like…

What did you observe and choose as a starting point for your artwork?

What do you find most important about it?

What moves you about it?

How does it make you feel?

Be honest and focused while you are answering these questions.

And after answering them, start exploring. Search for ways to make the work. Would a particular approach, shape, material, composition, color palette, motif, or technique (or anything else you can think of) accentuate what is important? Just make several sketches and try to compare them. Choose the one that works best, and apply this solution to your work.

Do not lose your focus while you are working, either. Painting is a set of decisions you make, and knowing your focus will help you make the right ones.

Finally, I’d like to share a question that popped into my mind while writing this email.

Imagine being in front of another artist’s work – one you consider to be good. Can it be possible at all that this work doesn’t elicit emotions?