Think Small:Defy the "Go Bigger" Movement

Four 2x2" works in the Northville ArtHouse Small Works Juried Show.

It is no secret, I don't use the largest canvases or the biggest brushes. I have friends who use full sheets (16x20") of water color paper to create lovely portraits or still lifes - those seem large to me. My works by comparison are much smaller. Lately my portraits range from 9 x 12 to 12x16 inches in size. I have been happy with many works that I have created in these sizes. I also want to emphasize that smaller canvas sizes do not necessarily mean spending less time on a painting. Small still means planning and often hours of hard work.

Recently I entered several of my Mini Still Lifes into a Small Works Show. I was thrilled when 4 of my small works were juried into the show-the show prerequisites being art that is less than 12x12" in size (framed). My mini paintings were done on 2 x2 inch canvases -very small. I had to think about how to best present those as they were not condusive to framing. So, I found some mini easels and noted in the entry form that the canvases would come with little easels and would need to display on a flat surface. While I was at the show opening two of my works got the red dot--sold! Very exciting.

Many artists encourage larger paintings - I have heard " You Need to Go Bigger" but lately I've found more success in thinking small. At this point, I say if you are creative there is no size limit but don't always go larger--how small can you go? What can you achieve with a 3"x3" or 2"x2"canvas?

These little wonders are studies in color and composition and yet they are wonderful little works of art. These little works took hours to create, took the same thought and skill only to a smaller scale. And, for some of my still lifes I think the 2x2 inch versions are more successful. Next time a painting isn't working for you or you want to try out a composition I'm suggesting that you think in reverse --perhaps you should try a mini painting. You may be pleasantly surprised!