Saturday 26 May 2018

How small can you go

When I think of aviation art I think of planes in flight, skies, of cloudscapes, of sweeping vistas - not always but mostly. While aviation art is obviously air craft themed it is also very much about  light and the skyscapes created. In consequence if a canvas is too small it becomes difficult to catch the essence of light and flight.


So how small can you go ? - for me it's a canvas size of 9" x 6" (23cm x 15cm) 


R for Roger 9"x6"


Working small has several significant benefits for me

  1. It forces me to work looser than is my natural style and inclination.

2. It does not take long to block in and then complete a piece when working small

3. It is an elegant way to test concepts and colour palettes, a more refined thumbnail sketch if you will.


Perhaps the most significant benefit to me however, is that with less time and effort being invested in the piece, I am far more willing to take risks with it, to experiment and to potentially ruin it as I try new ideas. It is liberating to be able to  commit paint to canvas without being overly concerned as to what the end result may look like, and this undoubtedly leads to better art.


Finally the last advantage of working small is that the price of these small pieces reflects their size, and so offers something for the collector working to a budget. 



F-4 colour study for By the Dawn's Early Light, 12"x8"


Let me know your thoughts and please sign up for my newsletter  if you have not already done so.


Pete


Sunday 6 May 2018

Navairart has a new home.


I'm excited to be able to announce that navairart.com has a new home. Please have a look and let me know what you think. And to celebrate I've reduced prices on some of the art available.