about studies

are studies just small paintings?

The answer is both "yes" and "no." While studies are finished works with their own merit, they are also an invaluable part of the artistic process.

1. The Wild West of Discovery

Studies are the playground of artistic experimentation. They may not have a consistent style, and that’s what makes them so exciting. Each piece can be wildly different from the last, showcasing a range of techniques, subjects, and emotions. It’s a no-holds-barred creative process where anything goes.

2. Process-Driven Works

Studies are the backbone of any artist's growth. They are all about the process, the journey, and the learning experience. Unlike more refined, larger paintings that iterate to a final vision, studies often reveal the raw, unfiltered steps taken to refine techniques and explore new ideas.

3. Goal-Oriented Creativity

Each study serves a specific purpose in stages: finding the figure, determining a composition, and executing the painting. These goals help establish a “groove” that can be accessed to develop larger, more complex paintings, which may undergo numerous revisions and iterations.

4. Creativity at Speed

In the world of studies, speed is key. They are produced quickly, with specific goals in mind, with a need for momentum and rapid resolution. Each study has fewer layers compared to larger paintings, which can have hundreds of layers. This short cycling allows for rapid evolution and bravery in the face of decisions - there is no time for timidity. Currently, the goal is to finish 30 studies in 3 months, or averaging delivery of one study every 3 days. In contrast, larger paintings can take months to complete. This fast-paced production of studies keeps the creative juices flowing and keeps me constantly challenged.

5. Different Panels, Different Purpose

The physical materials used for studies and paintings are distinct. Studies are painted on 7/8” cradled basswood panels, while larger paintings use 1-5/8” deep cradled birch panels. Both panel types are stable and archival, but the difference in materials reflects the varying goals and methods behind each type of work.

6. Size Matters

Studies are smaller in size, consistently measuring 11x14 inches. In contrast, my non-study paintings are becoming larger. In my current body of work, the smallest paintings are 20x24 inches and the average size is becoming something like 30x40 inches. It's likely that panels will become even larger over time.

7. Affordable Art for All

Studies are priced as part of the Artist Support Pledge, making them substantially less expensive per square inch than larger paintings. This pricing strategy makes original art more accessible to a wider audience, allowing more people to own a piece of the artist’s journey.

 

Conclusion

Studies are not just preliminary sketches or less-finished works. They are a vital part of any artist's creative process, filled with experimentation, growth, and discovery. Embracing the unpredictable and raw nature of studies can lead to incredible artistic breakthroughs and provide a deeper understanding of an artist's journey. So next time you come across a study, take a moment to appreciate the wild, untamed creativity it represents.