Having rules and norms helps to create a framework for our crafts and endeavors, so that whatever the results, outcomes and final realized forms, the process of their creation adheres to principles that keep us within a shared mode of understanding. Art is no different in its understanding of the rules by which we need to abide in order to successfully produce great works.
Whether that involves painting, sculpting, quilting, writing, photography or any other creative expression, the rules and conventions of good art apply to them all. This feature is here to provide a comprehensive guide to the five rules of arts, by which every artist should abide – whether a novice or experienced.
1. Know the Existing Rules and How to Apply Them
The first rule of art is to understand the existing rules and conventions of the medium you’re using, whether it’s painting, sculpting, embroidery or photography. As an artist, you’re expected to know the history of your craft, the principles of color, design, form, visual hierarchy, brush techniques and more.
Knowing the existing rules of making art will ensure that your work has structure, greater potential for success and is of a higher standard than just randomly slapping colors and materials onto a canvas or page. It’s important for the artist to not only understand the existing conventions but also to know how to apply them accordingly to their own work. Apart from the knowledge of the formal arts rules and conventions, there may be unspoken rules within the art community itself.
As an artist, it’s important be conscious of other people’s work and not to reproduce them or borrow ideas without giving proper credit. Additionally, keep up with the trends and emergent influences in the art industry, and stay abreast of the ever-changing digital advances, materials and ways of creating art.
2. Break The Rules and Forge Your Own Path
The second rule of art is to break the existing rules and forge your own path. This is an essential part of being a great artist, as it is what allows an artist to move the craft to a higher level and be true to their individual character.
Breaking the existing rules of art is the part where you get to do the unexpected, get more creative, and be really daring and daring and inventive. By being in precise awareness of the existing rules and conventions, an artist is able to supplement their knowledge with their own stylistic flourishes and individualisms, which gives birth to new, hybrid expressions. Breaking the rules needs to be a conscious decision, however; one informed by awareness, control, and judgment.
This is one of the most difficult rules to adhere to effectively, as it requires a real awareness of yourself and the environment you’re working in. This awareness allows you to identify which unintended combinations, contrasts and tensions you can use in your artwork to express your individual style and voice, while still adhering to the foundation of the craft’s conventions.
3. Don’t Be A Slave To The Rules
The third rule of art stresses the importance of creative freedom, which is paramount to creating a work of art whose substance and soul comes from within the artist, rather than from external forces. Don’t be a slave to the rules, however easy this may appear to be when you’re comfortable within the media.
Work your skill and the medium, don’t let them rule you. Being too structured, following rules and set processes step by step can lead to formulaic, samey works that lack passion, emotion and material and soul. To ensure this doesn’t happen, make sure to break up the routine of following the rules with experimentation and breaking the rules where necessary.
4. Keep Learning, Keep Growing
The fourth rule of art is to be a proactive artist. Because art is an ever-evolving craft, the priorities, trends, and conventions are always changing. Whether it’s by attending art classes, workshops, gallery exhibitions or even visits to the library, it’s important to keep learning, keep growing as an artist.
By being up to date with trends and influences within the art world, it enables you to extend and expand on your practice, allowing you to be aware of the current trends, allowing you to be flexible and be able to identify key themes and concepts within art.
5. Follow Your Own Rules – Make Up Your Own
The fifth and final rule of art is to create your own rules and make up your own. Once you understand the wider conventions and established rules of the craft, and you’ve gone learning, growing, experimenting and breaking the rules, it’s time to create your own rules. If a particular established rule doesn’t feel right for your practice, start making small adjustments and tailor it to what feels more authentic for you.
Establishing your own set of guidelines gives you greater freedom, autonomy and control over the narrative and artistic direction of your works.
Conclusion
For any artist, be they a novice or experienced, understanding the rules and principles of good art is essential. It’s important to not only understand the existing rules but to know how to apply them and when to break them too. From being aware of the trends, influences, and conventions of the craft, to learning and growing, to breaking and creating your own rules, the artist has to be conscious and in control of each step in the process.
However don’t become a slave to the rules either, as this can stifle creativity and make the final works formulaic. It’s also important to find your own individual style and voice that challenges both yourself and the wider rules of art, and pushes boundaries in order to make something of value that comes from within.