Does Size Matter?

I paint as small as 4 x 6 and as large as 36 x 48. A canvas size requires an execution of the painting in a different manner such as:

Time Investment: A small plein air piece can sometimes be completed in 1 to 2 hours. Whereas, I can spend periods of time every day for a week or more on a large canvas. The challenge on larger pieces is to know when to stop as they can become overworked. All painters have "scrappers." It's how we improve. The more hours invested, the more difficult it is to face reality and scrape a large piece. When it happens, I do my best to remember, it's all about the mileage.


Drawing:  I spend much more time drawing out a larger canvas. Smaller pieces are more forgiving when dimensions need adjustment.

Brush size: Larger paintings require larger brushes. I use between a #6 flat up to a 1 inch brush for my larger pieces. Not only does the paint apply quicker, it assists you in staying loose.

Information: Often, my smaller pieces will not have as many details as a larger piece. It is important to have an editing eye and take artistic license on every scene, but especially on small works.

Reference: Plein air studies are often used to compare colors when completing larger pieces back in the studio. Many times, the studies are discarded once the larger piece is completed as I may not complete them. Their purpose primarily serves as color reference.

30 x 40

11 x 14 plein air

30 x 48


 12 x 16 plein air