Small Paintings

I really enjoyed the process of making this small oil painting, it was also the first time that I painted one of my characters with an afro as I typically depict them with braids. The hairstyle was admittedly an accident, but a happy one, as I like the queerness that it adds to the image. Now that I feel confident in my subject and theme, I want to take some time to continue refining my style, composition, colour choice, and all of the other little things that create refinement and cohesion in art.

I also find myself questioning what size that I want to work in. These small A5 size paintings are undoubtedly where I feel most comfortable, as well as where I enjoy the process most, and think that I produce the best results. However I am aware that within certain areas of the art world/market I will be expected to create larger work. Do I compromise my ease and comfort in order to appeal to a potential art market/creative expectations, or do I continue to create what I enjoy, even if it could potentially limit my opportunities?

I don’t Know what the answer to that will be in the long run, for no though I do plan on continuing to make small art. And I plan on setting my self a challenge similar to my ‘daily paintings’ at the start of the year, this time attempting to make one small oil painting from Nov 1st- Dec 31st. Now that I am working with specific themes such as Religion, Catholicism, Christianity and how these concepts intersect with African women and Tradition- creating daily paintings should produce a cohesive and expressive body of work.