Changing my challenge this year to paint 20,000 square inches, Art20K, instead of amount of paintings, as in last years goal, #Paint 52, has been quite thrilling. I have found myself painting much larger and in turn experiencing much more freedom and joy painting. Creating a body of work feels more substantial painting larger and more conducive to preparing for a show. Although, I love painting larger, I have found myself asking questions about the upside and downside of painting large vs. small.
Is it easier to market smaller paintings than larger, due to their affordability?
As an artist, should you make sure you have a balance of sizes available for market?
Does certain subject matter demand a larger format?
What are the advantages of painting larger or smaller?
What are disadvantages of painting larger or smaller?
What tools are needed when painting a large painting, that may not be needed when painting small?
Is studio space an indicator for size selection?
Does painting large equal being a serious painter and more appropriate for gallery representation?
Is intimacy affected when painting larger?
What are your feelings about painting large vs. small?
Thank you for your responses always love hearing from you and hearing your perspective.
*ART20K footage completed 3,540 square inches
*Painting above, Title: “A New Balance”, measures 36″ x 36″, Atelier Interactive Acrylic on museum wrapped canvas (no need for framing), Price $3240.00 SOLD
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
This is just me, and maybe its speaks for some others as well, but size is all about what I can afford to do. At college I used to work very large, had the studio space, and lack of supplies and materials were not in question. Now, they are. Space is at a premium, and supplies are too. Therefor, I consider it a luxury nowadays if I can work large. Its something I would love, but financially, not feasible. Also, for online shipments, large gets a little complicated and smaller is easier. But, I suppose if I had disposable income, it wouldn’t really matter. I’d have it shipped and packed with the proper packaging. I know this addresses just one of your questions, but its what I can respond to at this time. .. (I do love working large though, .. way more freedom of expression for me)
Yes, Russ. I have had a lot more success online selling smaller paintings, although I sold one large one that covered the cost of 4 small paintings. I totally get what your saying. Perhaps a balance of both is necessary. Russ, I would love to see a large painting of yours, I bet it would be so powerful!
Thanks for visiting and leaving a note, this is worth talking about for sure.
When I paint outdoors I usually paint very small. And smaller, less expensive pieces sell more easily. But my heart wants me to paint much larger!
Hi Janet
I am a musician and not a visual artist but I have a couple of thoughts on some of your questions.
My guess is that it is easier to market smaller paintings because of cost. Obviously if you can get into shows or festivals that cater to people with a lot of money that can change quickly. That’s why I think it is critical to have a balance of work. I don’t mean 50-50 but something that makes sense to you. If you start getting into richer markets you might want to increase your larger paintings. It seems to me having a series of smaller paintings could also be helpful. If someone likes one they might want more from that series. One other question I would like to respond to is the “larger means more serious artist.” I don’t think that is true but some people might. Having just a few large ones helps deal with that bias. And I don’t think intimacy is compromised by painting larger if you are a good artist. If you are a good artist – and you are a good artist – and you want intimacy even in a large painting you will figure out how to do it.
Oh Janet! This is/was so worth the wait…it’s gorgeous! Spectacular spectacular! It’s peace on the valley and joy in the morning :$))
Yes, I can see that Stephanie, plein air painters vs. studio painters have entirely different thought process. I too found I have sold more when painting smaller when not having a show.
Scott, thank you for taking the time to respond to my blog. Yes, the artist’s clientele is very important to consider. When selling online I sell smaller pieces, but when I have a show, I usually have a good response to my larger paintings. And infact, I do feel that painting larger forces me to have a show and not to be complacent about marketing. I guess thinking bigger in terms of marketing can also be a thought. If we think small does it cause us to do less? I also believe there is a balance, a little for everyone. We first have to know our clientele inorder to serve them properly. Wonder in terms of music would that correlate to selling songs one by one or creating a CD? I am so enjoyed your response Scott, thank you again.
Oh Chrissy, warms my heart that you enjoyed my painting. You have such a way with words. Hugs 🙂
Janet,
A large canvas can intimidate and I admire your resolve to paint on them. I have done some large work, mainly triptychs. They have worked fine because they are also three paintings connected. I have never painted a full sheet of water color paper. That for some reason is just too intimidating. You go girl! I love those vivid colors.
You brought up two good points Mary, one is being intimidated by materials. My teacher George de Groat would often say that wasy an issue with artists. He found some of his best work was done on the back of vinyl wall paper, he would purchase on the sale table. There is something about the nothing lost feeling using an old canvas or materials that aren’t costly. Also, you made me think of scale. I was told that everyone has a certain scale or size they prefer to paint.
Fabulous painting Janet!
I love that you are painting big again.
My own natural sense of scale tends to go to the larger than life. It just feels right to me.
Janet,
I paint very, very small 2×4, 2×3 inches. I love being able to finish it all at once. I also think the mini ones are cool, they are intimate. I sell my work online and at art festivals, so the small ones are easier to mail and pack. I do sell larger paintings too, but the majority is the miniatures. I have a feeling that I want to continue to paint small… and that’s what makes me think I should get out of my comfort zone! So I am forcing myself to paint some larger work this year ;D
Hi Shannon, I feel like I’m at play painting large and I do know that your scale is bigger than life large 😉
Love your small paintings JoAnne. There is nothing wrong with finding your groove and doing what works for you. In fact, it’s kind of neat to be known for painting a certain size a great way to brand yourself.
Gorgeous Painting Janet!! Love the lighting! Like my students each size in painting seems to have its unique qualities and charm. I love painting miniatures, but also love painting larger work as well. Larger really has a sense of grandeur and makes you feel like you accomplished something. Yet the smaller works have such a sense of intimacy. I think a nice balance of both is good and keeps your skills perking! Smaller works are easier to market over the internet, however, I have had locals see my larger work on my site and purchase it without ever seeing it in person–I just hand delivered which is also enjoyable. Lots of great questions and food for thought Janet! Thanks for sharing. xx
I love your smaller paintings and they are quite memorable and yes very intimate. I like doing smaller paintings as a study version, in fact, I might take the smaller ones from my #paint52 challenge and enlarge. Smaller paintings have to simplify and composition is very important. Thanks so much for your insight Deb.
Great idea Janet–taking your smaller paintings from #52 challenge and creating larger ones. I think you would really enjoy that process! I really enjoy painting smaller ones as studies–helps work out some of those little problems before you go larger. Have fun Janet!
You are so right Deb. I used to always do a study prior to a big painting, as you said it illiminates a lot of issues when painting larger. Thanks Deb!
I use whatever size canvas seems best for the particular painting I’m working on. For me that’s usually somewhere around 30″ x 30.” Also, I paint with my fingers, so I can’t paint them too small or I won’t be able to put in the necessary details.
Space is an issue, though, and lately I’ve resorted to hanging as many painting around the house as possible!
Hi Joe, nice to have you leave a comment. Yes, 30 x 30 seems to be a perfect size and I do love squares. A big advantage of painting larger sizes, is where do you store them? Thank you so much 🙂
Having retired in 2007, so I can paint all the time has been a real education. My wife Marge and I live in NW WI, and there are no art venues or gallaries so selling art was meager, so I went smaller paintings(9×12 and 11×14 some 16×20) and sold on eBay. My visits to high end galleries in Santa Fe, Sedona, Jackson Hole, Cody seem to gravitate to very large paintings and also a very large price tag. This is only probably a very small percentage of artists so might not indicate painting larger is going to net higher prices. I sell approximtely 70 original wildlife oil paintings in the smaller sizes mentioned and I have no experience selling larger works. I have learned it is better to walk than run, andmaybe the marketing will grow into larger and maybe it will not. Forcing the situation might not be wise, and I think I tend to think larger might net more income, yet I have no experience to say that, and with the art market today shifting more to on line sales, my smaller works of art keep me busy and that is wonderful.
This is worthy of sharing thoughts, have a good day.
Jim Springett-wildlife painter
Jim, that sounds so great, I love how you designed a way of selling for you and that it works for you. You found your niche. I am so appreciative you took the time to leave a comment. Thank you!
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Thank you Bernard.
I specialize in circus acts and history in oils so have no choice but to paint them on the largest canvas I can get my hands on. However, the reason of course is to get the details. A big top interior ,a troupe of flying trapeze artists in action etc don’t lend themselves to a small area if you want details of movement feathers sequins and glitz. BUT, I then order prints of them and when they arrive at average 12×16″ all that detail is preserved and very sharp. It is a dramatic effect and they are then sellable at an affordable price whereas the big originals would be triple or even 4 figure sums. I sell prints for £50 often to members of the traditional circus fraternity but also to the public at large. I now find this formula best for enjoyment and getting detail so use it for portraiture and landscapes as well. It takes longer but the results for me at least are strong realism which I love. As most originals are not what I sell I can repaint and strip down a large (3.5ftx 5ft) canvas three plus times.
Very interesting Terry, good marketing.