My Top Five Reasons for Painting Small

'Light in the Woods'              9x12             pastel                ©Karen Margulis
available $225

Why would you want to paint so small?  This is one of the questions I get when someone sees me painting 2.5 x 3.5 inch mini pastels. I can think many reasons to limit the size of my paintings every once in awhile. I've boiled them down to 5.  Enjoy my latest pastel along with the mini study that inspired it  as I share 5 of my top reasons to paint small (2.5 x 3.5 inch artist trading card size)

1. Simplify. Limiting the size of the paper limits how much I can put in. It forces me to simplify and pick out the big simple shapes. It is easier to suggest details in a smaller space. This is great practice for seeing simply that can be transferred to larger paper.

2. Color Studies: Trying out color schemes on small paper saves time and frustration. It is quick and easy to try several color scheme possibility in a mini painting. I get a good idea of the color choices before investing time and supplies on a larger painting.

 3. Affordable: I love having small affordable originals for my collectors. These minis are affordable for anyone to add fine art to their home. It's a win-win. I learn from painting them and collectors enjoy collecting them!

4. Gifts:  Not only are mini pastels affordable for collectors they are great gifts for anyone. I love to gift my minis throughout the year but especially for the holidays. They are great to give to children as an introduction to collecting original art. I have also used them as table place cards for the holiday table. Put them in small frames for a great party favor!

5. Portable: This is probably my favorite reason for painting small.... I can take them with me anywhere!  I have a small pastel kit that I keep in a zippered book cover. It holds a small box of pastels, 2.5 x 3.5 inch papers, wipes and a small piece of foam core.....I can throw this in my car or backpack and I am ready to paint anywhere!

The 2.5 x 3.5 mini study

block in with Nupastel on gray asnded paper

This week over on my Patreon Page we are working on minis! I just shared a brand new video demo with tips for painting a mini in 6 easy steps! Come join us! Your $4 monthly pledge gives you access to three years of lessons and demos! www.patreon.com/karenmargulis