Do your own thing, even if it's the same as mine?

[Horsa]

I have encountered the work of a local artist that I feel is very similar to the direction of my own work. Similar subject matter, not total dissimilar styles, similar use of colour, etc.

The biggest difference is that she paints large acrylics and I paint small watercolours.

I think we developed in similar directions independantly. Both of us are influenced and inspired by the local natural world for instance.

I am curious, has anyone else encountered work that makes you think "that looks like something I would do", or "that is the direction I want to explore"?

What do you do?

We are in a small area and I don't want a situation to develop where it seems we are competeing for the same territory.

I found out about her work when we hung together in a local juried show. Our pieces did fit well together.

[Use Her Name]

Don't let it bother you. Do what you want.

[Marigold]

Even if style and subject matter are similar - I don't think large acrylics and small watercolors can compete for the same wallspace, they are hung in different places. So you may even benefit from each other. Someone who already has bought her work may consider buying one of your watercolors when they are looking for some smaller paintings, or the other way around.

[La_]

this would be a good conversation to have with her

pretty sure both of you can explore independently without stepping on each others toes much ... would be highly unlikely to have anything more than a glimmer of repeatable similarities, esp. given the diff medium and size thing.

small town here too and i have noticed a couple of artists who do landscapes (one taught the other for years) and in some instances it's hard to tell who's done certain pieces ... most often it's obviously one or the other, but yeah, there are times ...
neither is offended by it at all, it just is and it's fine ... both use oils

la

[Greg Long]

You may also like to collaborate on a few pieces, or possibly a show. Many times two working together can get better results and opportunities.

[AllisonR]

Large acrylics / small watercolors already sounds momentously different to me. Do what you want to do, what you are compelled to do. To do less would to be a fake. And somehow that shows in artwork. As a friend of mine said to me just today - they can smell it. You paint what you feel and it is OK. You do well, so you start to paint what you feel they want, what they will like, what they will buy.... and they don't want the new stuff at all. Because there is no more you left in your work. Be true to yourself.
And it sounds like this could be a new friendship. Or perhaps a working relationship between you.

[Razzar]

Thinking of another thread dealing with originality my guess is that both of you have chosen the same muse, or the same source of inspiration. Or maybe one of you (consciously or no) rides the back of the other. You mentioned yourself that you live in a small community.

[alfreda]

Why does what others do have any relevance to what you do? Just pondering because if art for you is a personal expression, and a need to create then I don't see why it should matter.
Just my humble opinion

[kkrame2]

I agree with the rest of the replies. They do both sound quite different even if the styles are similar. You also don't want to compromise your own expression. If anything you could both stage a gallery show together since you are both similar or even approach a gallery owner with that in mind.A lot of them like to have a cohesive collection on display. It will complement your work as well as her own. Besides in the evolution of things acrylic and water colors can venture off drastically in many directions over time.

Im a tech guy so i will use this analogy. I hope it rings true for you.
Almost everyone has a mobile phone. There is Android and there is Apple. Both are similar but both are uniquely different. If one company said "well we are too similar so we will venture in another market" then all of the folks that have currently have one of the other devices would never have the chance of enjoying or using it. There would be no competition either. Things stay stagnant when competition is missing.

There is always going to be a market for the "other guy". Don't think your voice or version is any less relevant because it is similar. It will never be exactly the same because you are the unique part of the puzzle. Just work on being the best you can be and you won't have to worry about it.

Hope that helps

[robertsloan2]

Sounds like you've got a potential new friend there who has a lot in common with you and a completely different niche. The same buyers may well want paintings from both of you. Size and medium are major differences. But influences can be stimulating since you both like the same style and subjects.

The more I hang out with other artists the more I find that for all my favorite subjects and styles, I meet artists who do them too and often I wind up learning from them, sharing ideas, enjoying their work. I don't view it as competition. There aren't enough good cat artists to supply the overwhelming desire cat lovers have to get their cat's portrait painted and every painting is unique.

One miraculous thing happens when multiple artists start moving in the same direction. It strengthens the market for all of their work. It gives an impression all of them are doing more valuable, more popular work. The appearance of popularity can create it! So hanging your work with this artist is going to be good for both of you in many ways.

[tine5]

I think, do what you want to do. So what if they're similar? Alot of art is similar nowadays, but those who care enough can see the personal touch and that's what matters! Collaborations would also be great!

[amandadun]

I would argue that your personal style is adapted from someone else's style, or a combination thereof. Whatever influenced you when you were younger, or learning, etc. That being said, you can also change or imitate other styles, but most people land on something they are comfortable with. Artists should understand that and be accepting of that. So, I'd say, do whatever you want! I think the artist would be able to tell if you were just copying her blatantly instead of just wanting to study a new direction. If it were me, I'd be absolutely giddy that someone so close had such a similar style as me. I quite enjoy that.


Cheers - Amanda

[markshirar]

I would bet that if most artists look around online they will find a good number of artists that are doing things similar to your style. I wouldn't really worry about it too much.

I like the suggestion of collaborating with this artist.

[StephenC]

Don't forget the French Impressionists. They painted in a similar way the same subjects and used similar brushwork. At one point Monet and Renoir were so alike I defy anyone to tell apart their paintings of the same view as in their "Bridge at Argenteuil" scenes. The reason for this was simple: impressionism was for them a specific way of seeing and a specific way of appyling paint went along with it. But as they developed the Impressionists way of doing things separated out and they became very distinct from one another.

I think a similar thing will happen for both you and the other artist. You'll both become quite distinct from one another.

[La_]

i expect it's all working out ... all worked out

right?

remember that radio show 'the rest of the story' ... ...

la