This is most likely the MOST IMPORTANT thing to establish for developing your own style. Really take the time to reflect on what it is that you want your art to communicate. I encourage you to get out a journal and answer a few of these questions. Don't force the answers, but give yourself time to work through all of these questions.

If it doesn't come naturally, give yourself a little bit of grace. Some artists tend to struggle with this concept because it's really difficult to put words to these thoughts that are usually deep inside of our hearts.

It's also okay if the message isn't super deep. Maybe you just love creating paintings that bring a sense of calm or peace? Or maybe you love to capture the child-like joy that we have when we are younger?

Questions to answer in order to find the message behind your art...

Why do you make art?

Why do you feel drawn to the type of art that you are wanting to create?

What emotion are you trying to express through the process of art making?

What would your life be like if you weren't making art?

Is there a common life theme that continues to emerge during your creation process?

If your paintings could speak, what would it be saying to you?

Have you recently gone through a major life event that has influenced the art that you choose to create? Death, loss, move, new life, transition, job change, starting a new hobby and so on...

What kind of description would you give to the type of art that you want to create?

For me, I have always loved to create art that is a reminder to take in the beauty that we find in the every day moments and capture those on my canvas.

I have also explored themes of finding beauty in the mess when nothing makes sense, especially when I was drawn to messy mark making and abstract play.