Image size 4 x 4″, paper size 14 x 11″
Available in my Etsy shop.
This is one of my recent 4 x 4″ acrylic monotypes on paper. After putting them away in a portfolio and now looking at them again, I sometimes get the urge to interpret some of them on large canvases. This is one of those that would possibly fit into that category. Or maybe they wouldn’t.
I don’t think small format always translates well into large format. Currently I love working small, and it has nothing to do with physical inclinations. I can work just as happily on a huge canvas. It’s just a matter of the current mood I’m in. In fact, I’m thinking of going even smaller.
Small artworks are intimate. They draw the viewer in for a closer, longer look. There’s always room — and perhaps a hiding place in the budget — for a small artwork, even if you have a big art collection. But even a small piece can have great presence with an oversized border or mat.
“Reclamation” – Acrylic Monotype on PaperImage size 4 x 4″, paper size 11 x 11″
Sold
Some Abstract Artists who Create Small Works
The art world is abuzz about small works. Some links to interesting recent articles on the subject of small works include:
Painting at About.com – Selling Paintings: Do Large or Small Paintings Sell More?
Art Business News – Small Art’s Giant Appeal, April 2008
New York Times – Is Painting Small the Next Big Thing? – April 19, 2008
I’m inspired. I hope you are too.
Tags: abstracts, inspiration, monoprints, monotypes, small abstracts
July 23, 2008 at 10:42 pm |
Hi Martha,
I know exactly what you mean. I haven’t gone quite as small as you yet but I seem to be heading that way. I have an online friend, Manuela Valenti, (impressionist), who also works on very small pieces.
Small is intimate, but I think small is also more difficult than working on a large expanse for the most part.
Vikki
July 23, 2008 at 10:42 pm |
Excellent and informative post, Martha. I am definitely inspired, especially after sanding furniture all day.
July 24, 2008 at 1:27 am |
What a great post Martha!!!! You always, always inspire me. That’s one of the reason’s that I love visiting your blog. I know that I will be inspired.
Thank you for sharing this!
*HUGS*
July 24, 2008 at 2:58 am |
Always lovely to visit your pages Martha … inspiring interesting and lovely to look at.
I love going small too … i have just revisited my foundart series trying to capture what it is i did to create the small vessel shapes i enjoyed so much.
I cant seem to translate it to larger paintings – the small foundart series is collage …
the idea here >> http://www.quazen.com/Arts/Visual-Arts/My-Foundart-Series-Lost-Art-While-Travelling.179977
July 24, 2008 at 6:25 am |
Love the monotypes, especially ‘Reclamation’. Beautiful!
Started doing them myself a little while ago, and loving every minute of it…
July 24, 2008 at 12:45 pm |
Martha- I love your small work!! There is something to be said that wonderful things come in small packages… I agree you are inspiring to many my friend! I have been thinking about dusting off the kiln and painting on some porcelain pieces. Lord knows I have enough blanks to paint on!!