Friday, April 11, 2014

Tiny Canvases

When in a slump . . . start small?


For a week, I've been wandering into my art room,
staring at my unfinished pieces,
and not getting a bit of inspiration. nada. nothing.

So I dug out some little 4x4 canvases and just started covering them with paint.
I think that's just what you have to do when your muse has gone on vacation.
I don't think she's happy that I've hauled, er, ‘enticed’ her back 
from where-ever-she-was (she always takes better vacations than I do), 
but I think she's warming up to the idea of being back :-)

I'm having fun with these. I'll have to move on to something larger
since I am running out of mini canvases, but I think I'm ready!


I'm joining Paint Party Friday this week.
Please visit over there to see what fabulous art everyone has been doing!




I've been thinking about an art sales concept 
I've heard people discussing called "Pay What You Want".
It does seem a bit crazy because you do not put a price on the piece
and invite buyers to pay what it is worth to them. 
(Maybe charge for shipping and materials cost, or not even that)

Really nuts, you say ~ you might as well just give it away, right?
But plenty of people have said it works for them!
They say people are inherently generous.
I think this is probably true, especially of people who collect art.

Has anyone tried this or know of someone who has?
I'd love to know your thoughts on it!

I'm thinking it might work on something like these.
I'm no good at pricing anyway, and these are so small...




Easter is coming! 
This crazy chick already has a little bunny tail.
I think he needs some fake bunny ears to go with.



Don't forget to visit PPF!
http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/


Have a great weekend!

Signature

25 comments:

  1. Wow, your paintings are gorgeous!

    Smiles, Saskia :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are lovely little painting. Just the thing to get you going again. I know what you mean about pricing things. I find it difficult too. Happy PPF!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your style is delightful and makes me happy to see them. Love your colorful canvases.

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are all great! I really like the contrast with black on the edges. So cool!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That little chick with the bunny tail is so flipping cute! I love it!

    I have heard that pricing model works really well for people. Personally, I think it would be a little like stepping off of a ledge - very frightening to do, but probably very exhilarating and rewarding. I would imagine (MOST) people would pay more than you might even have been willing to ask. Some people, well . . . there are always some people, right? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your quirky whimsical style and the Chicky is adorable.When I'm stuck for inspiration my husband always tells me to do a small project, works beautifully! I find pricing on Etsy difficult as well and the shipping is always a pain. About the sale concept, never did it and a little unsure about it.

    Annabelle : )

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your paintings look so sweet and refreshing! Great way to keep the creativity going!

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are gorgeous and people should pay you well for them...especially when the supplies can be so expensive. I hope "pay what you want" works for you!! No matter what you give away will always come back to you in another way!

    Hugs Giggles

    ReplyDelete
  9. What cute pieces, perfectly fitting to their diminutive size. I don't even sell my work let alone have experience with 'pay what you want' but I'm a big believer in the universe giving what you need at any moment so I say go with it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely works! I always admire people that can work such small scales, I need more space to work on.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great idea to start small. Your colors are happy and full of life. I especially like the little chick.

    ReplyDelete
  12. That was a great way to entice your muse back into the studio, she "had to" check out what youi were up to!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just what I needed to get over my slump...gonna works small today!

    ReplyDelete
  14. LOVE them, specially the boidie. welcome to PPF so glad you're here.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love these! An awesome way to break through the block - the colors are fantastic.

    I hate pricing enough that I am tempted to try that model of selling!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you all ~ I always love the interesting comments that come from PPF! Will be by to visit you all as soon as I catch up :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your mini canvases are lovely - love all the color - I think you have definitely dragged your muse out from her hiding place!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Maggie, I love your mini canvases! Your colors are so bright and cheerful and these are just adorable ! Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. These are delightful what a great idea, what a beautiful gift and your artwork is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love these little works. They are so colorful and happy that I think your muse can't be mad! What is your process, media? I think the pay what you want is a neat concept for small works as long as you don't get stuck with a lot of shipping costs. I would be interested to see how it turns out if you try it. Have a happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Maggie I'm new to your art and absolutely love it, such a great and colorful style! So happy you are featured in PPF this week!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Gorgeous work, love all the pieces! Congratulations on being featured. Have a great weekend!
    Nora

    ReplyDelete
  23. People are always so grateful for little colorful pieces -- they cost less and they brighten up small spaces. Yours are exquisite and I loved seeing you bright chick at the Paint Party site. Your work is inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm so glad they posted your crazy chick. Holy cow it has so much personality. I love the tulips, too. Wonderful tiny paintings!

    ReplyDelete
  25. These are fabulous, I love the colourfulness of them. I especially like the chicken, the tulips and the one on the bottom right.

    ReplyDelete

I always love to hear what you have to say! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!