How I found My Art Painting Niche

When I started painting again, after having not painted for over 6 years, I was painting anything and everything my heart desired. It’s only when I wanted to earn money from my art that I learned that in order to build an audience  from my art I needed to narrow it down to one specific specialty so that I could find where my target audience congregates to be able to advertise my art services to them as well as know what to serve up in between commissions.

I tried many different styles of painting before accidentally stumbling in the realism Portrait niche. Initially, I painted floral geographic maps using modelling paste and a palette knife, I sold a few but then got bored of this style. The I switched it up and painted colorful flowers outlined in paint marker. I never sold any and later thought it to be too childish looking so I moved on to painting abstract faces because that’s all I though I could do. They were nice, I loved them but kept getting commission request for abstract art.

One day, a cousin of mine who had bought art from me before asked if I could paint a replica of an 18th century portrait. I still can’t remember why I said “sure, I’ll do it, no problem!” Because, there was a problem. I had never painting anything portraits where I had to capture someone’s likeness before. I remember being so stressed at my acceptance of this commission that I was rocking back and forth in my chair asking myself “why did I agree to do this!” Looking back, it was the best thing I could have done.

I did a lot of research on how to achieve this portrait and even practiced on canvas paper until I felt confident enough to start on the large 30”x40” my cousin had requested it to be. Once I was working on it and got into the swing of it, I had an epiphany! I realized how I could make it even better and realized how much I was enjoying re-creating the 18th century portrait. Everyone in my family couldn’t believe I pulled it off and every time I would walk past it, I was amazed at how majestic and regal it was and that I, little old ME created it! I was soo proud of myself. After that portrait, I went on a portrait painting rampage and painting as many faces as I could! It was then I realized, I love painting people faces. I love painting period, but the feeling I get when I look at my completed portraits is one I’ve never gotten from my previous work. That feeling I get is best described as disbelief that I made this with my right hand and “I can’t believe I did this!” Added together.

So my advice to any emerging artist or artist who are eager to finally find their niche, is to write a list of art styles that truly left you in awe and try doing all of them, until you develop a passion and feeling of amazement from your attempt. Make it your own, put your spin on it. Copying another artist will only get you soo far. You want to provide the world with a piece of you not a version of someone else.

If you have any questions send them on! Hope you found value in this post. And remember, if it scares you, do it!