It took LONG enough!

I painted this little guy for invites to an "Ugly Sweater Party" I was hosting. I didn't really give it much thought, and it took me about 20 minutes from start to finish--but after I finished my husband said "You know babe, I think this is your style."

I thought: Seriously? I spend HOURS and HOURS and HOURS on past paintings, YEARS and YEARS studying art, and NOW I discover my style on this dorky little 20 minute cartoon? But the more I thought about it, I think he is right. Like I mentioned in my past post, I believe style finds you...you don't necessarily find your style. For me, I have spent a lot of painful hours trying to find what my signature on canvas is..the distinct way to make art that is only Ariel Cole...but I think a lot of those hours I was missing the point. Style to me is a synonym with "fun" and "light"..which, I believe, is why my husband made that comment. Your style is what you do when you are not trying too hard. It's what happens when you are just having fun.

But I think it's been forming for a while now....

These are some of my favorite pieces, because I had the most FUN making them. I think they have the same loose, even sketchy feel with a vivid saturated palette and hasty brush strokes.

It feels good to have "finally arrived." ;)

I can't wait to begin my final semester in a few weeks and really hone in on my style!