The Value of Tiny Paintings

I thought you might like to see some of the tiny paintings I have done recently. It's been a long time since I've painted, my friend. It's hard to get back into painting when you've been away for so long.

Antique Chair With Tulips, Afternoon Light
5" x 7", Oil on canvas, by deber klein

When I was in high school, I painted tiny oil paintings on cardboard. Little baby Monets. Then I had my own real babies, and had no time for painting until I was 38 years old.

In those early years, I thought that I could never grow weary of painting. After having tried on many various crafts, I had at last found my true self. I figured that I would be challenged enough to be satisfied with painting forever, as every new painting presents new challenges to the artist.

California Hillsides in Spring
5 1/2" x 3", oil on canvas
by deber klein

It has not proven to be so. In the last few years, I have investigated other mediums, finding new and more exciting (partly because they were new) challenges to tackle. I got into writing, making dolls, collage, stamps and paper dolls, and metal jewelry. This has lasted for quite a while. Still, I miss painting.

"Bill's Order" oil on canvas 3 1/2" x 5"
by deber klein

So I am settling down again. But how do I get back into painting when I've been away so long?

There is a new but simple method to my madness. I'm going back to my old ways. It boils down to two little words: "Start small."

All of the oil paintings you see above are tiny studies, no larger than 4" x 4". I find that if I work small, I am able to accomplish much in a short attention span...I mean, amount of time. That's what I used to do when I had eight kids at home. I painted very detailed and very small.

"Life Ain't So Bad!", watercolor mixed media,
1 1/2" x 2 1/2", 1993 by deber klein

I have managed to do six small paintings in two sittings recently. They're not masterpieces, I'll admit. But they're a start. Making these small paintings gets me in touch with the process again. I gain a speedy sense of accomplishment and the desire to do more. It's working for me. I can't wait to do more.

So, my friend, if you find that you've been getting too far from your old, once comfortable world of painting, and you want to get back, try it. Start small.