Making Paintings In A Series

"Big Money Sandals I" 9 x 12 in. mixed media on paper. Click on the photo to see more in this series.

"Big Money Sandals II" 9 x 12 mixed media on paper. Click on the photo to see more in this series.

The Surprising Benefits Of Working In A Series

I had plenty of reasons to start making smaller abstract paintings on paper last August. But mainly, my little studio was overflowing with larger works on canvas waiting for photos, wiring, or varnish. Those non-creative details were getting in the way of my fun time painting!

One corner of my studio.

corner of my studio closet

So, I dug deep into my art supplies stash and found some pristine watercolor paper and paints that hadn't seen the light of day in years.

Yea! A big light bulb suddenly replaced my usual halo. :)

One Painting Leads To Another

And just like that, one painting was leading me to the next painting and the next and a whole new series was born. I named this series Wearing Sandals Year Around because that's just what we do here in South Texas. It's November now and I just finished my 32nd painting in the series. There's more coming!

As my work on this series evolved, I began making multiples in the same size and colors with compatible designs so they could be hung next to each other. Triple the fun!

Socks With Sandals I, 14 x 11 in. mixed media $75

Socks With Sandals II, 14 x 11 in. mixed media $75

Socks With Sandals III, 14 x 11 in. mixed media $75

Painting Multiples Is Challenging And Fun

Working this way is, uh, well ... work. You have to really think a lot and plan ahead. And I was having so much fun thinking and working and planning that I found myself making multiples of multiples all at once!

Step 1 - laying down first colors

Step 2 - adding more color and developing design

Step 4 - adding more color, pattern, and beginning details

Step 3 - adding more color and defining patterns

Step 5 - At this point I have my colors and design well established. From here on I will work on each painting individually to give it the finishing details. I am looking for the pattern within the pattern and the color beneath the color.

A Series Will Make You Stop, Look, and Listen

Besides the obvious benefits of working small on paper (paper's cheaper, can work faster, produce more, and sell at a lower price point), I learned a few things about myself and my art making process that I must do as I continue with this series.

First of all, I must slow myself waaaaaaay down. There's no painting with wild abandon like I usually do when working on paper. Paper can't take it. I must stop and carefully consider each step before I proceed with caution. This use of creative restraint leads me to more deliberate mark-making and a simplified design. I've found that limiting my creative play while working small on paper let's me work faster on more paintings at once, and I'm a lot happier with the results.

Garden Sandals I, 12 x 9 in. mixed media $75

Garden Sandals II, 12 x 9 in. mixed media $75

Garden Sandals III, 12 x 9 in. mixed media $75

Come visit & see more of my recent work at www.beckyroeslerart.com. Be sure and sign up for my Insider's List so we can keep in touch. Buy original paintings and prints at my Saatchi shop. Feel free to share this post. Your likes, comments, and shares are always greatly appreciated!