A few years ago I wrote about eight reasons why artists needed to use Pinterest. That was three years ago and even then Pinterest was considered a new kid on the social media block. Yes it is still not up there with Facebook, but Pinterest continues to grow rapidly. All those reasons for using Pinterest still apply today. If you are still not sure consider these reasons.

Pinterest is the fastest growing social media channel next to Instagram. There are compelling reasons for this:

1. Visuals rule the internet especially on social media. Pinterest images are of high quality, relevant and are curated by its users.
2. Pinterest users are loyal to this channel and to their followers. It is a relationship built on trust. No nasty pictures, trolling or foul language is tolerated.
3. Pins last forever. Unlike timelines that flit by in minutes never to be seen again, Pinterest pins get repinned, searched, recommended and catalogued forever.
4. Organic Search. Pins keep showing up when you search for a topic. Good for everyone!
5. The Pin links back to your website.

How does this benefit art lovers? Well the fact that you can search for any art form, artist, subject matter and genre is a big plus. Added to this is the quality of images that you receive. Then you can pin the images to your own public or private board. This makes the service useful for research topics too.

Want art lessons? An abundance of curated topics can be found in every niche. Forget Google, look on Pinterest and pin your finds to your own boards. You can even watch YouTube videos within Pinterest without having to exit to another website.

Artists should be using Pinterest if they are not already. There is no reason not to. Copyright? Forget about this issue since Pinterest is amazing free advertising and an endorsement for you as an artist. 

Optimize your profile, revamp your boards and take up pinning. You never know what you may find that inspires you too.

​Join me on Pinterest and share you favorite art with me.

We were chatting about last year's movies. My children talked mostly about the various action hero movies that came out. I think there were a hundred thousand or more. Then my wife chimes in about Daniel Craig and some other bloke also with pouting lips. All rather dire to be honest.

The thing is that most of the movies all seem to be the same. Loud, improbable and plain silly. We still watch them though. Maybe there is a reason sequels attract viewers. We know we are getting something that is entertaining. A sure thing. It does not always work though. Every Iron Man sequel, for instance, was rubbish.

What about art of the painting kind? An artist asked me recently how she could find her own style and produce something fresh. It is a good question. Are we as artists only producing what has gone before? Has everything been done already? Are we putting out sequels because they sell?

The impressionists tried to follow a formula for painting light and atmosphere. Only Monet persisted and did it superbly. Most others went in different directions. They developed their own style. It was a natural progression. For example Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat, Gauguin and then later, Bonnard and Vuillard. All distinct yet all influenced by impressionism in one way or another. Even to reject impressionism is to be influenced by it.

Fast forward to modern art. Pickled sharks, unmade beds and blank canvasses were hailed as daring new art. Lest we forget Duchamp's toilet decades before? Or Picasso using a rope to frame a painting? Perhaps everything has been done?

So unless you want to trawl the hardware store for new directions I could suggest the following:

1. Paint what moves you;
2. Paint often so that your natural signature brushwork develops;
3. Try different mediums before settling on your one medium;
4. Use your medium to its fullest potential. Oil paint can be thick, thin, splashed, thrown, brushed and handled in as many ways as your imagination allows. Experiment.
5. Refer to number 1. If it does not move you then  you are not communicating well. Art is a language.
6. Trust yourself and your journey.

This approach will result in your own style developing. Naturally. If you force it it will fall short. If you give up you will not fulfill your calling. If you fake it you will know.

Perhaps finally: Don't be afraid of influences. The greatest service we can do for other artists is to learn from them. It is their gift to us. Create your art with joy and freedom.
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All the best for the New Year.