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 25, 2008 at 6:02 pm |
Small works are popular? Cool. I don’t have the space to work very large. (off to do some reading)
July 26, 2008 at 1:30 pm |
I absolutely love your work!
Not too long ago I blogged about Small Works. They’re such a dilemma for me since I want to keep going bigger and bigger. But I still love them.
I found the part about digging up old pieces and wanting to interpret them on a larger scale interesting because I have a small tin filled with these small abstract pins (I painted abstracts on canvas paper, mounted them on bits of wood and made them into pins). The only reason they’re around is because I keep meaning to use them as “studies” for larger pieces.
…one of these days.
July 26, 2008 at 3:00 pm |
Yikes, everyone! I didn’t mean to go off and leave everyone talking among yourselves! Please forgive me for being kind of distracted. Anyway, what I meant to say was:
Vikki: Yes, point well taken. Small has a different set of challenges. It has to be interesting enough to draw one in from across the room. And it has to be right for the format. The execution of a large piece might be easier in some cases, and it’s certainly more physically challenging.
Mary: I’m happy you’re inspired by that line of thinking. It’s funny that I’ve had a habit of trying to convince other artists to interpret something small into larger format. I’m starting to think a little bit differently these days.
Angela: It’s always so nice to have you here. You light up the place.
Gina: I did see your documenting of your found art collages on your blog. I hope everyone else will take a look as well. What a wonderful thing, and I love the images.
Arco: Thanks! Your monotypes are great. I’ve enjoyed them very much.
Joyce: Oh yes, please do dust off that kiln. So much fun just waiting for you right there!
Chewy: That’s right, small is big. I think it’s the hundredth monkey phenomenon going on. I started noticing them more myself at ArtBasel in Miami year before last. (Was I noticing them more, or was I noticing more of them? Hm.)
John: I’m happy you like my work – thank you so much for visiting. What an intriguing idea, just to get out all those little pins and take a new look at them. Do it! By the way, been reading your blog just now. I need to find your post about small works.