I'm back to the small works - I've worked on these two pieces on and off for the past month trying to find the complexity within a more confined area. I was satisfied with these two pieces at the end of the day, however, as I look at the first one, I can see some tweaks I want to make tomorrow, but basically they are cooked. Small is a real challenge for me and always makes me look at the work differently. Giving breathing space to a small area takes more of......???????? I'm not sure more of what, just more! I find I layer way more in a smaller confine then I do on a larger work - it's kind of like the difference between writing a story and writing a poem. This smaller work is like the poem to me - everything pared down to just the essentials.
The first photo has at least three and I'm almost sure four paintings underneath....
oil, wax and collage, 12x12, 'Bookmarked With His Letter'
this next painting has even more underneath - I started this one before I moved....
oil and wax, 12x12, 'When A Dozen Is Too Much'
Happy Monday everyone! A full week ahead with all its possibilities!!
ps - still looking for that perfect spot to photograph work in my new space - these are close, but I'm going to try again tomorrow and if I get a better pic will change it out.....
17 comments:
Giving breathing room takes...no unimportant element?....I like the compassion to poetry. Brevity.
jeane, i think you've hit the nail on the head with your thoughts about big vs. small. if you can get small right, it's pure poetry. of course big can be pure poetry too... but there's something about a few lines of perfect poetry that knocks you off your feet.
xoxo
And the thing I love about poetry is you have to sort of pay closer attention to understand what is being said. Perhaps that is the good thing about a smaller work...they require a closer look which is always a good thing in my opinion. These are awesome Jeane.
I definitely also find smaller paintings more challenging! Your story/poem comparison is so apt!
I know what you mean about working small. I have to bluff myself that I'm working small to fit it into something bigger..... a small carving within a large one.
Your small pieces are little gems ... or haiku to be treasured. (I treasure the pieces you sent me)
Perfect analogy. I love small work, but also find it a challenge - you can't just make the larger pieces smaller, each size (and format I find) has different demands. Recently, I battled with a series of 15 x 15 cm oil and cold wax pieces. We're calling it a draw.
ps. meant to add that yours are beautiful!
Fascinating thoughts, Jeane. Will these have titles? Your second painting has an electrifying mystery!
Everyone has already said it so well - your thoughts on working small are right on - poetry, haiku, brevity - taking much more thought - smaller strokes -- and yours are done brilliantly.
The challenge of working small: trying to make big statements in a confined space.
hello Leslie, yes, brevity, yet something that speaks and not just a mark for the sake of a brief mark, no? such an edgy balance - hope all is well in your world :))
good morning Lynnie, and that's it in a nutshell - big just being big makes a statement, but small's voice must be dead on and you do it better then almost anyone I know!! xox
such a good point Lisa, thank you so much - I love the challenge of small work and what I learn from it - it has many rewards xo
thank you Ema, paring down is always a challenge in any part of our lives no less our artistic lives, no? thanks so much for coming by :))
double challenge Robyn!! wow, you have become an expert at small into large!! your instincts working back and forth to make one harmonious piece - now that's a challenge!! xoxo
oh, that's funny Lynn - a draw indeed!! you are so right, each 'size and format' do definitely demand different ways of working! my comfort zone lies in large pieces so it's good to work my art muscles in other ways too!! :))
yes, they will have titles Amber, I just didn't quite get there yesterday - thank you so much, mystery is always a fabulous compliment!! :)))
many thanks Judy, I like a challenge and this is always a good way for me to push myself, so glad you stopped by xox
you nailed it Louciao, a perfect definition! glad to see you here! :))
Hi Jeane. I'd forgotten your studio move was going to be in 2 phases, so I had a surprise to see your previous post!! Know what you mean about smaller formats - having just splurged a massive word count through November, I'm back to selecting tiny jewel phrases from notebook pages again!! That red armchair looks like it has already made itself at home in the new space, hope you soon settle in, too. Ax
Hi Jeane, enjoy the small. I'm enjoying these two you've posted. xo
good morning Annie, yes, two moves, all behind me now and finding it all good - oh, how I love your 'word gems' - such gifts your words - yes, the chair - my husband broke it in very well for me - he replaced it and we moved this one out to my shed - it felt right at home immediately and now a bit of my shed in my new space - it's like my life raft - everything I love about material things - totally broken in, a bit battered and holds its own history - xox
hello Carole, thank you!! the smalls are pushing me and that can only be good, no? they've taken me off the main road and onto little paths to wander xo
Lovely layered work, Jeane! Yes, I think changing scale is very good for the artist's brain. After awhile, small works can look as grand as the el gigante pieces--like your work. I could totally see these 6' x 6'--Hmmm. Now that you have the studio...!
Sending you wishes for sunny days and good thoughts from the desert. xo
good morning Melinda - I agree - make the brain work in different ways, such a good idea - 6'x6' would be grand, no? that time is coming - not a sunny day in sight here - gray, marine fog and soggy but we mutter through it all with twinkle lights and coffee!! it is our way this time of year xoxo
i love the perfect simplicity of these pieces! and the comparison to poetry - pared down and full of meaning.
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