Becoming a Storyteller Through Your Art

By Tracey Maras

The origins of art are rooted in the concept of storytelling. Whether through the depiction of scenes, figures, or symbols, art serves as a form of communication—with artists as the storytellers.

For many artists, though, especially those in the early stages of their practice, creating a story with their artwork may not be their first thought. Their initial focus is often on mastering the fundamentals, such as drawing accurately, understanding materials, and experimenting with different techniques. Much like mastering artistic tools and processes, developing the ability to become a storyteller is itself a learned skill.

A Storytelling Exercise  

It was through my own journey as an artist and art instructor that a path toward becoming a storyteller presented itself rather unexpectedly. Many artists create the ubiquitous painting or drawing of a pear at some point in their journey. Since there were pear trees outside the studio where I taught, I gathered an armful of the fruit, carried it into the studio, and then placed the pears on a table. While setting up several vignettes from which the students could take photos, sketch, or paint, I noticed that it almost seemed that the pears were interacting with one another and assuming personalities. It was then that I realized that storytelling isn’t limited to the literal portrayal of a narrative.  

To delve deeper into the process of becoming a storyteller, consider the same exercise.

From Mere Objects to Characters  

Traditionally, human figures have been used to tell stories through their interactions and expressions. It’s a natural extension of this idea to use other living creatures in artwork for the same purpose. In reality, however, anything can serve as a vehicle for storytelling—whether animate or inanimate. 

After completing the pear exercise, it can become easier and more intuitive to translate other inanimate objects into characters in a storyline. Trees or boulders in landscapes, clouds in the sky, furniture in interior settings, architectural elements in cityscapes, or flowers in a garden become more than objects. Even the elements of an abstract composition can be arranged to suggest a story. Objects become more than mere things. They become characters within the narrative—with you as the storyteller. 

About the Author

Tracey Maras is an award-winning pastelist and a popular workshop instructor. She’s a Juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, an Associate Artist and Instructor for Unison Colour Pastels, and a Signature Member of the Heartland Art Club.