How can an artist tell whether or not they should break the rules?

There are no circumstances in which rules should be broken.

The rules can be broken of other artists that have done so in the past.

Technical rules can be broken but the elements of art should not.

Rules can be broken if it enhances the art or adds a creative twist.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to break the rules in art should be based on the artist's intuition and artistic intent. If breaking a rule adds depth, emotion, or creativity to a piece, then it may be worth considering. However, the artist should always be mindful of the potential consequences and impact of breaking the rules on the overall message and quality of their work. It's important to experiment and push boundaries, but also to stay true to the foundational principles of art and ensure that the intention behind breaking the rules is purposeful and adds value to the artwork.