Techniques for Titling Your Art creations
How to Slay the Art-Naming Game:
Balk no more at the thorny question of what to call your masterpiece! Here's a killer guide to nailing the title game and taking your artwork to the next level.
Keep it Short, Sweet, and Deadly Accurate
More often than not, a concise, precise title is all you need to hook 'em. Give a quick and accurate glimpse into the heart of the work. Who is that? What's going on here? Whatcha got cookin'?
This is my go-to move with most of my art. It's a simple and effective way to remind myself of the inspiration behind the piece, especially when the paint is still drying—and the years start piling up.
Drop Some Hints About the Subject
Sometimes, there's a teeny-tiny, but potent, detail that you secretly want to spotlight. Get sneaky with a title that subtly guides the viewer's gaze, such as Lilla Cabot Perry's Lady With a Bowl of Violets. With a title like that, your secret's safe... until they coffee-spit their way to violet-spotting enlightenment.
Let the World See Your Injuries, I Mean, Symbolism
Some of the most powerful artworks are saturated with symbolism that leaves the viewer craving more meaning. Van Gogh's Self Portrait With Bandaged Ear is a prime example of this approach, drawing attention to the dramatic, self-inflicted wound that might've otherwise gone under the radar as a fashionable accessory.
Express the Artwork's Emotional Core
Use your title to wring out the feelings, emotions, and ideas that are bubbling up in your artwork. Edvard Munch's The Scream screams this approach in its face, with the title encapsulating the sheer angst and agony in the painting.
Hail the Majestic Artistic Elements
Does one element take center stage in your artwork, providing the foundation for its beauty? Consider spotlighting it in your title, as with Minnippi, Green, Contrast or Fraser Island, High Key.
Savor the Conditions
For landscapes, consider titling the artwork to reflect the conditions—bright, sunny, or overcast. This naming convention can be especially beneficial when you're painting the same subject over and over. You'll be able to compare, learn, and improve your technique with each iteration.
Embrace the Mystery
Let your title shrouded in secrets, leaving your tantalizing subject unnamed or the setting undisclosed. Take Girl With a Pearl Earring, for example. Who's the lucky lady in pearls? You'll have to keep on guessing.
Make a Powerful Statement
In rare instances, you can use your title to make a bold, transformative statement, like Joaquín Sorolla's And They Say That Fish is Expensive! By doing so, you can draw attention to the social or political implications of your work and start a conversation that extends far beyond the canvas.
Bare Title or Bust?
While a title can be a powerful tool, it's by no means necessary. Let the visuals speak for themselves, and skip the title if it doesn't flow seamlessly with the artwork. Some artworks are so captivating that they need no introduction, leaving viewers to uncover their stories and secrets on their own.
In Conclusion:
Remember, your title is just one of many tools in your artistic arsenal. Use it when you need it, and let your artwork shine brightest. Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
Dan Scott is the visionary behind Draw Paint Academy, a one-stop shop for aspiring artists lost in the ocean of creativity. With a unique focus on landscape painting, Dan and his partner Chontele are on a mission to guide you towards mastering your artistic craft. Discover more about Dan and his journey by visiting the About page.
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Title your landscape painting by reflecting the conditions in the artwork, such as "Bright Shores of Fraser Island" or "Dusky Vistas, Minnippi." This naming convention can help you compare, learn, and improve your technique with each iteration.
In addition, when creating a home-and-garden themed piece, a title like "A Flourishing Home-and-Garden: A Testament to Lifestyle" can subtly highlight the essence of the artwork and connect it to the viewers' personal surroundings and lifestyles.
A landscape painting titled "A Flourishing Home-and-Garden: A Testament to Lifestyle" and a home-and-garden themed art piece named "Bright Shores of Fraser Island" or "Dusky Vistas, Minnippi" can be compelling additions to a cohesive collection that showcases both natural and home-inspired elements.
