Author: L. Diane Johnson, Contributing Editor

While traveling recently, I visited the Pantheon in Rome, a domed forum built at the time of Christ, where the master painter, Raphael is buried. It is truly an extraordinary feat of building. I saw many things that I had studied years ago, and was now so deeply real. While in Rome, I met a prominent American lawyer who has just embarked on learning to draw and paint. Her first formal training was in all places, France, this last Summer. The workshop was taught by a recognized classical French artist, (A direct descendent of Raoul Dufy), in French, which added a new dimension to her challenge. Fortunately, she was able to get by with some limited French and occasionally assistance from a fellow student. She expressed concern about how her own style would develop and emerge when workshops such as this one often focus on the instructor's style. This is a a common question I receive from students everywhere. Here is what I said to her... Many painters have said to me that painting is like "handwriting". It is unique to each individual. No matter how much you learn from instructors, books, videos, or are self-taught, your own style will emerge and prevail. "When I was in grade school, the script version of the English alphabet was prominently displayed above the blackboard wrapping around the classroom walls. I was required to write each letter with precision through careful observation and teacher demonstrations. Copying was essential. Practice as I may, the letters never looked exactly like the model (although I thought they did at the time.) However, my letters were still recognizable. When I finally wrote complete sentences they had a unique visual style all our own and my thoughts were expressed through the words. "So it is with painting. We learn skills, techniques, and concepts from our teachers (or are self-taught.) When skills along with art principles are practiced then come together as a painting (drawing, sculpture, etc.) it still can be "read" while displaying our individuality. It can't be helped or avoided. It's just the way it is. Even as children, the attempted loops and dips in our handwriting were still distinguishable. "There was one DaVinci, one LaTour, one Degas, ... and there is only one YOU! Learn what you can, practice all you can. (Fill-in your name) will come shining through! There are no two of the same artist and no substitute for YOU. The world needs your talent, skill, and unique perspective. Therefore the risk of looking exactly like your teacher(s) is minimal." As we spoke, the workshop instructor participated in our conversation with the help of an interpreter. We had a wonderful time discussing many aspects of art past and present and about the issue of style. To those of you studying art for the first time--no matter where you are, no matter how young or old, concentrate on learning from the skills and inspiration of your instructor. Learn over a lifetime. Style will take care of itself because YOUR thoughts, mechanics, and perception will come shining through whether you choose to work as a representational or abstract artist. The world is looking forward to seeing and appreciating YOUR work! All the Best, Diane