Uninspired? Think Small.

September 28, 2025

It occurs to me that many artists believe that every work they create must be "big." Huge vistas. Large canvases. Massive wall space. But I'm usually just the opposite. I like to get close to my topics. Rather than a mountain surrounded by trees, I paint individual leaves. Rather than the traditional full-body portrait, I focus on a unique facial expression.

In addition to truly preferring this approach to my art, I find it eliminates a lot of pressure. I'm not one to patiently paint dozens of ripples in the water or rocks on the creek bank. The thought of that tedium makes me want to not paint altogether. But, by studying the singular beauty of one close-up view, I offer my subject the respect it deserves while making art my own way.

The next time you're overwhelmed by choice (or worse, can't think of anything to paint at all), take a moment to study the "one" instead of the "many." One rose, one pair of eyes, one weathered front door. You may find that limiting your choices actually broadens your artistic perspective.