Total Art Soul - for artists

I guess I'm wondering if galleries are nearly as important to an artist now as they were in the past. With so many selling venues and the internet, I think many people are now purchasing artwork that they may never have seen if it were only in a gallery. I've never entered anything in a gallery with the exception of a collage done many years ago, so am really not sure of the relevance of galleries , with the exception of large cities.

As far as "style" goes, I don't really think I have a style either. I paint what I like and think I tend to try alot of different techniques.

can't keep a net connection long enough to reply but have cut 'n'posted blog post, hope it helps

www.totalartsoul.com/members-blog/different-strokes.html

gah! its kicked me off three time since, sorry guys, will try and offer more useful reply later

It's up to the artist if they want to stick to a certain style, I guess. Perhaps the style is selling very well, so why change a winning formula. That's one possible answer.
I feel your work can become boring if you don't try something new every now and then.In my opinion, it's the galleries that brainwash artists and stifle creativity. [ did I spell that right ]

Isn't that what they say "variety is the spice of life"

I respectfully disagree that its the galleries that stifle creativity (yes you spelled it correctly ). I remain true to my "style' but there can be variations within it. Staying creative also involves taking risks, and trying to do a particular technique or subject that you haven't done before and developing the technique or subject further. Its growth, its your style coming into its own. That said, if an artist WANTS to explore different styles, well then go for it! It may be your niche that you've yet discovered!