Consistency isn't everything

Embracing the Rollercoaster: Challenging the Notion of Artistic Consistency

Matt and I love wandering through local art galleries. It’s our version of a date night—low pressure, occasionally fancy cheese, and the bonus thrill of seeing all kinds of art. I almost always end up chatting with whoever’s running the place—usually the owner.

During one visit, I struck up a conversation with the gallery owner, who proudly told me she’d been an art teacher in the public schools for years before opening the gallery. I was impressed. Teaching art to people who might not even like art? That takes real patience and commitment.

As we chatted, I mentioned that I, too, was an artist. She nodded knowingly and launched into the standard round of questions: “What’s your style? Your medium? Your subject matter?” You know, the classic trio.

I explained my style was bold and eclectic and my medium was acrylic. I told her the subject matter had evolved from insects in relatable, everyday scenes—ants on jungle gyms, rollercoasting insects, the usual—to bold, vibrant animal portraits that practically scream from the canvas. I even hinted that another stylistic twist might be on the horizon.

That's when she surprised me with her statement: "Artists should focus on one subject. FOREVER." I must admit, I might have mentally added the "FOREVER" part. It echoed in my mind like a dramatic line from a film. You know, FORRRR...EVVVV...ERRRR.

Is consistency the key?

I blinked. “So... if someone paints landscapes, they should always paint landscapes? And if someone paints animals, they just keep doing that... until the end of time?”

She nodded solemnly, like she was revealing a deeply guarded truth passed down through generations of gallery owners. “It helps build a cohesive body of work,” she said, and she said cohesive like it was a golden ticket to the art world’s inner circle. She further explained that when the artist showed his or her work the subject would tie all the pieces together and be notable.

I appreciate the concept of consistency. It’s essential for many things—like maintaining healthy relationships and making sure cakes actually turn out like cakes. But honestly, what a dull world it would be if artists were locked into painting the same subject forever. Imagine a lifetime of nothing but landscapes, or a still life, or one lonely bowl of fruit on repeat. Creativity deserves more room to roam than that.

Consistency in other ways

There are other ways for a body of work to be "notable". I suggested that maybe my bold, consistent use of color could serve as the unifying thread. She disagreed, firmly and without hesitation. I didn’t argue, but inside I was baffled. Why should creativity come with a rulebook? That sounds less like being an artist and more like working on an assembly line. Congratulations, your passion is now a spreadsheet.

I confess that my leap from the bug's life to the bold use of a color was an artistic leap and a subject matter change. However, I am proud of the artistic development. (I still regularly attempt to blend the insect world with the bold colors. While I have been "okay" with a few attempts, the best is yet to come. So, stay tuned.) The blending of colors is never as easy as it appears on canvas; and sometimes, I paint a painting at least 5 times before I am satisfied. It is all growth. Maybe that is the consistency. The continual growth of the artist.

Sure, to her, my artistic journey might seem chaotic or erratic. But I see it differently. My path isn’t a straight, tidy line—it’s a rollercoaster: unpredictable, exhilarating, occasionally upside-down, and yes, featuring the occasional paint-splattered scream.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo — a blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.