Small art: A guide to displaying and gifting
Sketch for “Heading Out”, oil, 8 x 8 inches, ©Linda Hugues
Good things come in small packages
Smaller paintings are a delightful way to start collecting an artist’s work or to share their art as a gift. They are an intimate artistic statement that is intended to be viewed close-up and treasured as the years go by.
I like working small because it gives me a chance to experiment with new ideas and make quick changes. I also create many small works that are sketches for larger pieces, so they have an inviting freshness that hints at the process of designing a painting.
“Pink on the Street”, oil, 24 x 24 inches ©Linda Hugues
Hanging art: small single works
Small artwork looks best if it hangs on a narrow wall. A single small piece can be placed in a powder room, tucked into an alcove, or displayed in a kitchen corner. You can also hang work on a larger wall if it is near enough to furniture to create a composition. “Pink on the Street”, above, anchors the desk to the wall and provides a colorful counterpoint to the neutrals of the room.
“Seine Gallery” and “Elegant Biker” both 12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas board, ©Linda Hugues
Hanging art: Groups of small works
Grouping small art together creates a dialog between the paintings and magnifies the presence of the artwork. The two pieces above are positioned close to the coffee station so that they work together to give it a bit of color and a French flair.
Hanging even more small paintings together would create a larger statement for behind a sofa or on a statement wall. For details on how to arrange a grouping of paintings, check out this guide from MarthaStewart.com.
Very small pieces provide an unexpected pleasure when tucked into a bookcase or placed on a console. This works especially well with art that can be displayed on a stand like the one below.
Sketch for “Before Breakfast”, oil on board, 8 x 8 inches, ©Linda Hugues.
Share the love: Art gifts
Giving a gift of original art is a compliment to the recipient’s taste and a unique present that they can enjoy for years. And giving something small means they can more easily find a spot where they can display their new treasure..
You will probably want to consider their design and color sense in choosing a piece that will easily find a happy home. If you’re unsure, I’d be happy to use my years of interior design experience to help you decide which painting would suit them best. Just contact me here.
Worried that they won’t like it? Don’t be. If they are not delighted with their gift, any artwork can be returned for a refund within 45 days of purchase, as explained here. Above all, I want you and your gift recipients to love your paintings!