Initial thoughts

When I planned my fantasy art sketches, I also planned several smaller size paintings in order to balance the fatigue of larger size oil paintings. The goal for these smaller size paintings is relaxation. The color palette is simple. The brush stroke is loose and details are limited. I prepared five of them. Now I have finished two. I only paint the smaller size canvas when my time is not suit for longer painting session. I still want to finish my fantasy oil paintings first.

Cat nap time

The reference photo for this one feels relaxing enough. Nothing feels more satisfying than a good day time nap. Sometimes a good nap on a couch is better than the nighttime sleep on a bed. I swap the color of the cat so it can fit in the greenish background. It is early afternoon on a hot summer day. The orange cat is sleeping soundly on a window ledge under the shade of trees. Everything slows down. No rush.

Drying clothes

The color of reference photo for this one is greyish. But I really like the subject. I used to dry clothes outdoor or on balcony before I came to United States. I miss the smell of sun dried linen. As to the color palette, it could be orange buildings vs blue clothes or blue buildings vs orange clothes. I pick the first one because I am a little tired of seeing limited color in winter months. I need warm and vivid color badly.

Digital sketches

Again, the purpose for this series is relaxation. So all shapes are simplified and no overdone details.

Summary

These smaller paintings are great for limited time sessions. Currently, I am thinking my next practice should be “forgive myself and let it go”. I can’t stop fixing tiny details when I am about to finish one painting. It is the time that I need to accept my “unfinished” brush stroke or void canvas part or any other type of “imperfection”.

Hopefully I can manage it. 🤣