Size Versus Quality

Concept to Canvas

Are you painting for excellence or just to fill a space on the wall? Often I hear students speak about having to paint in certain dimensions, but bigger isn't always better... To sign up for a free webinar, check out: ⁠https://gaborsvagrik.easywebinar.live/registration⁠ Make sure to visit my blog for free instructional videos and more! Website ⁠svagrikfineart.com/gabor-svagrik-blog/⁠ Instagram ⁠www.instagram.com/svagrikart/⁠ Facebook ⁠business.facebook.com/svagrikfineart⁠

In the world of art, there's often a debate about the importance of the size of a painting versus its quality. Today, I want to delve into this topic and share some insights that might help you in your artistic journey.

Behind me, I have three paintings by Ray Roberts, Ken Backus, and Matt Smith. These are smaller pieces, roughly around 10x12 or 11x14 inches. They're not what you would call large paintings, certainly not 20x30 or 30x40 inches. Despite their size, these pieces are remarkable examples of quality art.

Often, people think they need a large painting to fill a space on a wall. But the question to ask is, are you looking for art, or just something to fill a space? Personally, I would rather see three smaller, high-quality paintings grouped together to fill a space than one large, poorly executed piece.

Always strive for quality in your paintings, regardless of size. You can certainly work on larger canvases, but remember, it's like a high jumper—they don't start at the highest bar but gradually work their way up. Creating a large painting that is energetic and poetic is no easy feat. It requires skill, practice, and often, multiple sessions to complete.

One key to infusing energy into your paintings, regardless of size, is painting from life. This approach brings vibrancy and authenticity to your work. Tackling a large canvas in one session is challenging, even for experienced artists. It often requires bringing the piece back to the studio for further refinement, and there's nothing wrong with that.

For students and those still in the learning phase, the focus should be on mastering the medium and honing your skills. Don't be pressured into creating large works before you're ready. Instead, aim for a series of smaller, high-quality paintings. Grouping these together can create a stunning visual impact without compromising on quality.

The Size DilemmaQuality Over SizePainting from LifeStudent Perspective