Throughout history artists have faced the challenges and rewards of creating large works of art. One of the most prominent large-scale works of art we know of was created by Pablo Picasso titled “Guernica”. It has been regarded by many art critics as the most moving and powerful anti-war painting in history.
“Guernica” is painted in surrealist style and is arguably Pablo Picasso’s most famous work. It is from Picasso’s period where classicism and surrealism dominated his work.
According to britannica.com “Picasso said very little about the painting’s meaning, leaving interpretation to viewers, critics, and art historians.” However, it is a clear representation of an emotional response to war’s senseless violence. It remains uncertain among scholars as to whether it is successful as a political statement.
“Guernica” by Pablo Picasso, oil on canvas, measures 137.4″ × 305.5″
A Few Challenges Artists Face When Creating Large Works of Art
Creating large works of art can be an exhilarating experience for contemporary artists. It can also come with several challenges. For example, what if the artist is commissioned to create a large work of art and their studio space cannot accommodate it? Or, how does an artist overcome the fear of encountering their first extra large blank canvas? And, what about the costs involved in creating extra large works of art? Many artists would be intimidated by some problems, but not our Manhattan Arts International artist members! In this article, “The Challenges and Rewards of Creating Large Works of Art”, several members share their creative solutions as well as the rewards they received in the process.
The artists’ names will take you to their pages where you can see more of their artwork and learn more about them. I encourage you to visit their websites and contact them to purchase their artwork — in any size that fits your artistic preferences, space and/or budget.
Banner image: Painting by Peter N. Van Giesen.
Peter N. Van Giesen
While creating “Love Like An Ocean”, a 4 foot by 6 foot painting, I faced the challenge of finding the space needed to complete the art piece to capture the majesty of the vast expanse of the ocean. More challenges included not being able to sit when creating a larger work, having to use larger brushes and painting knives, the large volume of paint, and using fast-drying acrylic… As I painted I recalled the saying by RUMI, “you are not a drop in the ocean, but the entire majestic ocean in one drop”. After completion, my spouse loved the finished work so much we had it hanging in our home for awhile. This painting will be going to a show in 2020.
Andrea Robinson
My largest artwork is “Floral Fantasy”, 40″ x 20″, inspired by the flowers in my garden. My greatest challenge with this painting was also my greatest reward. Creating directly onto the canvas can often be time consuming and frustrating, especially when I don’t get it quite right and I must adjust the composition or colors repeatedly. However, the process of layering and adjusting brings depth and some wonderful surprises. “Floral Fantasy” is a juxtaposition of complexity and simplicity. I simply love this serendipitous process which enables my inner emotions to come to life.
Denisa Prochazka
In the year 2012, when my art career was just beginning, I was commissioned to create my first 10 foot large sculpture relief of a Celtic Goddess Brigid for an Irish Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. From it’s conception of sketching the artwork onto a large clay surface, to researching ancient celtic designs, to sculpting the portrait of a young woman resembling Goddess Brigid, it was an incredibly challenging and exhilarating process. Making the giant mold and cast with my wonderful friend Eric and finally seeing it installed on the wall, I couldn’t help asking myself the question… “Did I do that??”
Use this link to read all articles that featured Manhattan Arts International artist members.
I loved reading about everyone else’s challenges in completing a large work of art. Thank you for including my painting with all these other fine works of art.
Thanks for including my painting Renee in such a nice and varied collection of artists!
Thank you Trixie for your participation and sharing such an interesting story!