Weekly BobBlast Issue 559

Small Scale Abstract Painting on Paper

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

This BobBlast is all about how to create more meaningful abstract paintings in a small scale format on paper. Not exactly a miniature, but artwork created for small spaces, based on graphic design, color and a strong concept. I have called these small studies, sketches and paintings my “little gems” since 1996.

That said, sometimes my small works are warmups for larger paintings. I challenge myself to create the smaller format with the same freedom and looseness as my larger paintings. It is too easy to look at a small surface and start painting too tight - and too small!

I have found there are many ways to keep my "loose focus" while working small. I make sure I have watercolor paper, torn and gessoed to the size I want—ready to go, before I start. My surface choice for small paintings is 300 lb cold press— either Cheap Joe’s Kilimanjaro or Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper.

When I am planning to work on small pieces, I consider if they will be…

•Stand alone artworks?

•Part of related artworks - such as a series that hangs together?

•Microcosm of something larger - like a section taken out of a larger painting?

Then I Consider the 5 Cs:

•Concept

•Composition

•Color Combination

•Commit to the Series

•Continue the Series

Sometimes I will utilize the entire paper’s surface for the painting. Other times, I tape a four-sided border on small watercolor paper to create a "mock mat" border. The type of tape I am using is FrogTape - yellow for sensitive surfaces. I use this "masking the borders" technique for graphic impact. I have always liked the look of clean, sharp border edges. Using this technique of taping gives the appearance of a Monotype print - without using a printing press!

I paint inside the lines, so to speak—then finally… slowly peel back the tape, revealing a pretty cool, instantaneous presentation of my most immediate, current piece with a pristine white border. Watch the video for my step-by-step!

If you peel the tape off too fast, you may not get a clean, crisp edge plus you may tear the top layer of the paper surface.

There is a lot to consider! But, no matter what size you are working on… never limit your creativity!

Join us for a Small Abstract online Workshop!

•May 12-14, 2025

Small Scale Abstracts - ONLINE WORKSHOP