The Challenges and Rewards of Creating Small Works of Art

Large works of art make a big impression. They take up space  physically and mentally. From across the room large works of art can sweep you off your feet and send you into the stratosphere. In this article, however, I invite you to come closer, as we look at small art that makes a big impact.

“Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli. .(c. 1484–1486). Tempera on canvas. 67.9″ × 109.6″. Uffizi Gallery, Florence. Photo: Public domain via wikipedia.org

“Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli, shown above is a formidable work of art measures a staggering 5′8″ x 9′ 2″.  It depicts the goddess Venus, having emerged from the sea as a fully grown woman, arriving at the sea-shore. The seashell she stands on was a symbol in classical antiquity for a woman’s vulva. Thought to be based in part on the Venus de’ Medici, an ancient Greek marble sculpture of Aphrodite.

I’m reminded of what an art teacher once told me, “Students, if you can’t paint well, at least paint large.” His point was a small work of art demands near perfect skills, for every detail is scrutinized intimately as though under a microscope.

Many artists will tell you that small works, with all of their unique challenges, offer tremendous satisfaction for them and viewers alike. 

Small Art by Master Artists

The Persistence of Memory, oil on canvas, 9.5″ x 13″. Created by Salvador Dali in 1931. Photo Fair Use via wikiart

Did you know that William Blake tended to work small, and “The Ghost of a Flea” is only 8.42″ × 6.3″? And, you may be surprised to learn that Dali’s iconic painting “The Persistence of Memory”, shown above,  is a mere 9.5″ x 13″. Paul Klee also created small paintings, including his “Small Rhythmic Landscape” 11″ x 8.5″.

And, let us not forget “The Lacemaker” by Vermeer, a mere 9.6″ x 8.3″. From this magnificent glowing painting, shown below, we may surmise that Vermeer’s intention was to honor domestic virtue and pay homage to his subject. Beyond capturing her thoroughly engrossed in the process of  lacemaking, he portrays her with utmost dignity and celebrates the compelling human capacity to create.

Johannes Vermeer, The Lacemaker, oil on canvas, 9.6″ × 8.3″. Photo: Public Domain via wikipedia.org

Small Art by Member Artists and What Inspired It

Whether you’re beginning a collection or adding to one, small art pieces may give you countless hours of intimate pleasure.

Manhattan Arts International member artists create art in various sizes. For this article, however, I recently asked them to provide one of their smallest treasures and share what inspired it. I also asked for the prices. I encourage you use the artists’ names to visit their pages and then visit their websites. Explore their portfolios where you can select from many more works of art and sizes. Also visit our online art gallery.

Charlotte Shroyer

Charlotte Shroyer, Persian Miniaturists: How Small?, monotype with oils, 6″ x 4″

Charlotte Shroyer paints engaging and expressive contemporary paintings and monotypes inspired by the human experience and literature, archeology and different cultures. Her art is found in collections and exhibitions around the world. She has received many awards including one from the American Juried Art Salon comprised of museum curators and directors.

About what inspired her small gem of a painting “Persian Miniaturists: How Small?” she wrote, “The writing of Turkish Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk in his novel My Name is Red inspired me to create this image depicting two miniaturist artists in 16th century Istanbul. As often happens in my paintings, images appear as if by magic. These two miniaturists did just that, demanding to be remembered in our modern day world for their 16th century artistic and cultural achievements.”

Joe Stavec

WATCHER OF THE SKIES, OIL ON WOOD PANEL,  12″ x 12″ 

Joe Stavec creates mesmerizing works of art that combine elements of reality and fantasy. With his unbridled imagination and a superior artistic proficiency he has developed an inimitable narrative style of surrealism. Joe captivates us and provides an unlimited and endless wellspring of fascination.

With unerring proficiency Joe applies underpaintings and color glazes using oils and sumi inks to create stunning effects. He is currently focusing on creating smaller scale artworks “to explore more images from my mind.”

Mary Chaplin

Mary Chaplin, Path in July at Monet’s garden, 11.41″ x 9″

Mary Chaplin’s exuberant nature-inspired paintings are nestled between reality and dreams, and combine elements of impressionism and abstraction. Her art, that can be found in many private collections worldwide, has received many accolades, including an invitation to be the guest of honor in Criel sur Mer (France) for the festival of impressionism in Normandy.

When asked about “Path in July at Monet’s Garden” she wrote, “I started my career painting landscapes using pastels. Although now I work in abstraction, I still enjoy going back to my first love. Small figurative works are sometimes studies of a subject that give me inspiration to create a large abstract works. After visiting Monet’s garden, I painted this pastel. It is fun for me to put in few square centimeters, sunlight, trees, shrubs and flowers to create an invitation to stroll through the garden!” Although this painting is sold check her website for other available art.

You may also want to read: Fascinating Facts About Artist Members.

Visit The Members Online Art Gallery.