In which area (visual art) do I have more skill?

[Artything]

I hope it's ok to post small images to the forum!
I have education and background in arts but not in painting. I worked in design and used digital for the most part. So the painting and collage are new for me, and whilst I have been experimenting in different techniques and styles, I can't for the life of me work out which I have any affinity with, if at all!

I am not looking to sell work but would definitely like to take it more seriously if only for my own satisfaction and pleasure. Am interested how an unbiased observer would see these, and which you think I show more skill with.
I will split the photos over two posts.

EDIT to add, these are a mix of painting and collage. Only the little birds are vintage cutouts, the rest my own painting in watercolour and mixed media.

Second image post.

Great work, you’re very skilled at both. First lot might be more commercial, whimsical and upbeat. Which lane do you feel like following?

They are all lovely. Of the second batch I found the landscape genuinely compelling and moving, the most artistic of all the images in both posts. But I wasn't overly fond of the other two.
The first batch were all lovely, really fine and accurate and cheering.

Thank you for such straight answers, it really does help, as DH says he 'prefers' them all, the fruitcake

I can't decide as it is still so new to me. I do find the landscapes a bit tricky but they are my main passion I must admit. I throw more away than keep at the moment!

I don't think you need to limit yourself do you?

Not exactly sure what you want from posting. You have ability. Some are less accomplished than others but you could keep going and get better. That's the point isn't it? Push your craft and see where it takes you?

The landscape is strong and would be my personal favourite. Not sure it matters though.

I think back in the day at uni and such it was easy to get a mix of responses, which of course I don't have now. I don't really share them online so it's nice to hear different opinions, it can make you see things you might have missed.

I don't have many landscapes on my laptop at the moment, but just located this one to share, they are very simple, I don't like too much detail.

I like the green leaves and the landscapes best. The bird with the giant bollocks is good, but I'm not a massive fan of birds generally (or massive bollocks).

Really lovely work.

I'd say the collages are good too but looks more work in progress...landscapes are strong.

There's a few artists that spring to mind you might like. Hannah Woodman for sure and some of Malcolm Ashman's work. His monochrome series with the weather are my favourites.

Do you know other artists at all? Would be nice to have some social circle to chat to and develop your work with? Submit to some open exhibitions or something perhaps?

I like the actual birds and the bird on the twig.

I too thought one had massive balls and the perspective or something didn't look quite right. The other pic looks like an upside down pineapple or potato- a bit too abstract for me, but definitely skill with the other more realistic pics.

Haha lol I had noticed the balls, reminded me of the old fleetwood mac cover for some reason.

Thank you for your opinions. I do prefer landscape but don't have confidence in that area, but should try to work on that, definitely. The birds were very good fun, and so relaxing to create, but I can't take them seriously for whatever reason.
Some good advice.

I really love your mixed media, but might be more because I’m really drawn to mixed media anyway. I also really like the landscape. You posted up thread that you throw more away than you keep. I don’t know if you really meant that, I hope not, instead of throwing away you can use them in your mixed media! Otherwise keep them if only to be able to look back at your progression over time.

I'll buck the trend and say I like the plant pictures in the first batch best. I think you have a clear style and can do what you enjoy; someone will like it.

I will buck the trend too. The plants are more my thing. Really beautifully done, with a definite style.

I would say draw more, to define, practice your style before you hit the watercolours?

All lovely. I like all three of the watercolours - the flowers and the landscape. I'd say go with the painting.

I think the landscape style is stronger. The first set are nice, cheery, but more generic somehow.

The landscapes are lovely .

These are all extremely accomplished! I can tell you have a design background from your use of composition and clear skill at drawing (you can always tell when an artist is painting loosely as a choice or whether it’s because they can’t draw).
For me, the first flower images are gorgeous - especially the first; it has a slight Eastern feel to it and I love the wobbly lines. The birds/collages look more illustrative and (to me) slightly stiff in comparison but a lot of people like that style.
With the second lot, the first floral is exquisite - I love the mysterious mood it conveys. I assume you’re looking at lots of artists already, but for the landscapes Hannah Woodman, as already suggested, is really accomplished but her style is a bit more detailed. Maria Wigge makes work in that ephemeral style, more minimalist. Your first image reminds me of Vivienne Cawson, also some of the artists on the Still Flower Drawing instagram account, like Claudia Lowry. Oh and Susan Kane - gorgesimple flowers.
In terms of having affinity, it’s really a question of noticing what you enjoy most, or what comes to you with ease. The main thing is to listen to your own inner voice rather than wondering what others think. Maybe join a local artist’s group and you’ll see a wide range of work and skill which will help your confidence.
A brilliant quotation I came across recently:
‘Whatever you think you can’t do, know that there is someone confidently doing it wrong. They have no plans on doing it better either and people are paying them to do it. Believe in your excellence; doubts are an indication of advanced skill.’
I keep meaning to print it and pit it on my studio wall!

Had not heard of any of these artists, absolutely love hannah woodman and susan kane after searching and looking at their work!

Did not jive with maria wigge for some reason, too formulaic for me and there's a bit of a corporate/business vibe to her output, but nice work all the same.

Thank you so much for the pointers!

And yet after all of this advice, some of the comments made me realise that my talents may lie in a different area, not quite the visual arts. I am fresh off the back of a wonderful documentary about the BBC Radiophonic artist (musician and mathematician) Delia Derbyshire, Jonathan Miller's 'Alice' film and Alice Oswald's poetry.

I have always written poems and loved avant garde musicians, it is perhaps a direction I ought to follow, as it is closer to my heart. For some reason starting this thread seems to have provided a catalyst at a crossroads for me.

I really like the second of your plant paintings-it seems quite free, going over edges of the page etc It also has depth that the bird pictures don’t -in the latter everything is fighting to be in the foreground (those balls!😁) What would you like us to see, would you like it to be a coherent image (eg colours/subject) or something more discordant ?

I love your landscape at the top of the thread, and the one later in the thread though the bright blue on that one is jarring under a stormy sky

What would you like us to see, would you like it to be a coherent image (eg colours/subject) or something more discordant ?

I honestly don't know, to tell the truth.
I think I shared the images because it is a quiet part of the website, and, perhaps, because I have been feeling at a loose end recently, not really enjoying the work, or having a sense of where it's going. I thought sharing might kick me into gear a bit.

A PP comment struck me when taking about affinity and joy that I may have a problem!..although the collages were fun, I actually don't much enjoy painting or drawing at all, and seem to have been forcing myself forward in a blundering way of late. A bit of an existential moment for me .

I like the first and second plant paintings, and also the landscapes. You definitely already have a distinct style, with a good "feel" to it.

If I were you I would concentrate on building up 2 bodies of work- botanical illustrations and landscapes- with a view to exhibiting.

I really love the simplicity of your landscapes although i don't really understand the blue here, they're definitely my favourites. There's no point forcing a hobby though and not really enjoying it. Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to do it. Maybe you need to try some other things to find something you actually love even if you're not that great at it.

@Artything other posters have given more detailed and expert opinions, but fwiw I really love your landscapes, especially the second one you posted. If you do ever decide to sell your work or even just document it online, let me know!