Well, I probably wouldn't want to present a picture of a unicorn if I was showing my work at the Louvre, but, that doesn't mean I haven't drawn a couple, or even a dragon or two. Every time you touch the media with which you make your art, you should be attempting to do something you have not done before, to at least keep learning, all the time. That means that if you decide to do a unicorn and someone comes along and wants that particular unicorn, and you decide to give it to them or sell it to them, the next unicorn you draw should be from a different angle, or from a different perspective altogether, such as drawing a mother and foal. Just don't get stuck doing the same thing all the time, and intersperse your play (the unicorns) with some serious study that will help you become a better artist.

BTW, don't take yourself too seriously for a while, if you do, you'll become boring, and that really stinks and messes up your art.
Su

I'm sure there are dozens of images of unicorns in the Louvre... it's been an important symbol in art for centuries. So I say go for it.

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As for subject matter that a serious artist should never approach? If it has anything to do with exemplifying aspects of the human spirit and its journey, our interaction with and understanding of the world then no. So long as its done well.

h.

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‘When I’m not drinking, I’m thinking about drinking / When I’m not thinking, I’m drinking about you.’
- The Meat Purveyors from Thinking About Drinking/ All Relationships Are Doomed To Fail ~ Bloodshot Records.

I think there's something really amazing about fantasy art thats painted traditionaly. Usually its all photomanip or digital so I think it would be nice

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A great many open minds should be closed for repairs.

One of my professors once told me, "It's not about what you paint, it's how you paint." So I say go for it.

I have to applaud you for even bringing the question up! Actually, I never thought about it like that. I consider myself a traditional artist and therefore my paintings tend to be landscapes, portraits, etc.
However, I have a desire to paint pictures that speak of spiritual things, so I guess by some standards, it wouldn't be "traditional".
Being a serious artist simply means taking it seriously and wanting to improve and also transmit a feeling to others through your artwork.
Blessings,
Annie

ps
I'd love to see the unicorn when it's done!

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Annie

Well I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get stuck doing the same thing and this certainly isn't play (it's a request I grudgingly accepted), but I guess it will teach me new things.

SorryI didn't mean I take myself seriously, I meant I take what I paint seriously, if I think something's a bad idea I probably won't paint it and I certainly won't submit it here

Thanks for the links, especially the last one, that was really informative and has given me some ideas about how I can put my own spin on the finished piece.

I think the doing it well is the key, just the word 'unicorn' conjures up the idea of a gallery full of sickly sweet images drawn primarily by people with a love of pink. It's like a word association thing for me, but that's fairly short-sighted and thankfully I can see past it now.

I know what you mean, often I see amazing fantasy pieces and then when I see they're a photomanip or digital my heart sinks a little (nothing wrong with either), I just have a greater appreciation of traditional mediums. That said, it's not going to be one of those pieces, sorry

Very wise words indeed, although I'm sure my art tutor would've thrown something at me for this But he's not here so I'll go for it.