I've Got Style-But What Exactly Is It?

"The Red Gate"
Krys Pettit
Oil on Canvas Panel

"Down the Garden Path"
Krys Pettit
Oil on Canvas Panel

An artist strives to have a particular style.  So I was elated when two very informed art mentors/instructors told me I had a "lyrical style."  Then I realized I had no idea what a lyrical style was.
Granted I NEVER paint without listening to music, instrumental or vocal, rock to classical.  I've been known to sing while I paint (usually something in the great American Songbook and old standards), but I suspect this isn't what my art contemporaries mean by "lyrical style."
Thanks to all that is great and on Google I was able to solve the mystery of what kind of style I do indeed have.
The Museum of Modern Art Glossary of Art Terms state that Lyrical means "Expressing deep personal emotion or observations; highly enthusiastic, rhapsodic."  Simple enough.  But other glossaries go into more detail: "A quality... referring to a certain ethereal, musical, expressive, or poetic quality of artistic expression. Although difficult to define ... it possesses a certain spiritual or emotional quality... the work expresses a particularly profound, passionate or tender sentiment, perhaps related to romanticism or other lofty expression."  Quite the description -- frankly they got me at "...difficult to define..."
So I have a style - and although I'm not sure how to describe it I think it pretty much describes me. Now excuse me while I put another Cole Porter CD into my player.
To see more of my work (lyrical or not so much), please visit my website:
Krys Pettit - Painting Moments of Color and Light

Too Many Images Too Little Time

"Tools of The Trade"
iPhone Photo
Krys Pettit

Someone asked me what I like to paint.  I thought it easier to reply with what I DON'T like to paint. Because there are so many images, so many stories to tell with a brush that I don't feel I can express with words.

I've run the gamut of still life, florals, street scenes, landscapes, figurative, portrait, architectural detail. I've captured the steamy south, the clear and crisp southwest, the freezing and snowy north. Big cities, small towns, unknown roads to unknown destinations. I've painted oceans, lakes, skies, canyons, red rocks, fields, oranges, peppers, plums, geraniums, irises (no never a rose), old houses, new houses, windows, doors, fences, full figures, naked figures, and only faces.  Never an animal. Can't seem to capture those in my art. I've used watercolor, oil, crayon, charcoal, pastel, graphite, color pencil, pen and ink and at times a little spit and a thumbprint.

If someone looked at my body of work once I pass they would say, "She's all over the place.  Doesn't even look like its by the same artist."  And I say, good.  Let's just keep it that way.

For more of my work visit my web site at: https://www.kryspettit.com/
Or if you prefer follow me on Facebook and Instagram.  There is always something new and fresh posted there.  And no two are ever the same if I can help it.
Krys Pettit Original Artwork Facebook
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