I do a lot of small paintings in the studio, especially recently. I tend to flick between working on larger pieces, then smaller pieces. It keeps things fresh with the smaller pieces allowing for quicker experimentation, of which then inform decisions to made on the larger scale paintings. In a way they are a form of note making, but the fact they are painted on a sturdy bit of wood evolves them into something permanent, able to become their own thing.
The starting points for these small ones vary. From landscape drawings, to life drawings, etchings and enlarged parts of bigger pieces of work. They are often an amalgamation of different things of which I build up until I hit upon something complete. In many of them you can see marks of previous compositions which I have since painted over, having scraped back an idea that wasn’t working so well and replacing it with something new.
I also use them as an opportunity to record colours. Sometimes I will be coming towards the end of the day in the studio and as Im cleaning up my palette I will begin to land on an array of colours I believe work well together. So then I’ll grab a board, either a new one or incomplete, draw up a composition and then paint using this accidental palette, using the board as a way of recording a selection of colours before they dry up.
My favourite way to use them though is stood close. I set a timer, normally for around half an hour and stand as close as possible to the board, painting without thinking too much. Standing so close frees up my mind, not allowing for me to see the overall composition and preventing me from overthinking or becoming too precious.
They are all part of a larger process, I suppose all my work is really though. Everything leads on from something else. I’ll start a piece with a particular place in mind and then allow for that focus to shift, through small drawings and other things I am working on at the time, but most importantly they shift through these paintings on board. Often they are my favourite things that come out of the studio. I find my practise is always in flux and these act as a small portal into that.
I have put 5 of these paintings up for sale in my shop which can be seen here -
https://joegamble.bigcartel.com/
Im also really enjoying this newsletter. Insight into process is the absolute best. Also the image of you standing nose-close to a painting is one I refuse to shake.
I'm very much enjoying your blog. You are a very good painter. I liked it when you said you don't think too much.