In the world of art, size matters. But it's not just about the physical dimensions; it's about the impact and the story that the artwork tells. This is particularly evident in the realm of local art, where artists and collectors alike are embracing the idea that bigger is better. From Sturgeon Bay to Santa Fe, artists are creating large-scale masterpieces that demand attention and leave a lasting impression. But what's driving this trend, and what does it mean for the art world?
The Allure of Large-Scale Art
Margaret Lockwood, a Sturgeon Bay artist known for her large impressionistic paintings, believes that people inherently gravitate towards big art. "People like big paintings," she says. "They make people feel as if they are almost walking into them." This sentiment is echoed by Ginnie Cappaert, who owns galleries in Egg Harbor and Santa Fe. "From a design standpoint," she explains, "my personal opinion is that the biggest design error one can make is to put too small of a painting in a large space." The idea is that large paintings dominate a room, creating a focal point and drawing the viewer in.
But it's not just about aesthetics. Large-scale art can also be a practical choice. Modern condos with open-plan designs often have tall walls that need big paintings to fill them. "My paintings will fit through a door," Lockwood assures, "They’re 4, 5 or 6 feet, sometimes I do a 7, but not often."
The Psychology of Scale
What makes large-scale art so compelling? One factor is the psychological impact it can have. As Marc Anderson, a landscape painter, notes, "Bigger paintings have become pretty popular in Chicago." He attributes this to the dynamic of mixing large and small strokes, which can create a sense of movement and energy. "Often, people think the artists are using a small brush to do details," he explains, "but a lot of times, it comes from the large brush."
The use of large brushes can also add texture and depth to the artwork. David Keel, who exhibits 64-inch square paintings, points out that "the bristles on the 2½-inch brush have gone stiff, so it scratches the surface and the paint underneath comes through." This technique can create a sense of realism and three-dimensionality that smaller paintings may struggle to achieve.
The Challenges of Large Art
However, large-scale art is not without its challenges. Anderson acknowledges that "large work is a problem to store and expensive to ship." He recently had to repaint an entire large painting after it was damaged in transit, which was "not terribly thrilling."
Cappaert also notes that "painting large offers a certain freedom and expansiveness that I prefer, even if it is more physically demanding." The physical demands of creating large paintings cannot be understated, and artists must be prepared for the time and effort required.
The Future of Large Art
Despite the challenges, the trend towards large-scale art shows no signs of slowing down. As Cappaert explains, "This couple walked into Materiality and fell in love with my work, but needed something large." The demand for large art is there, and artists are responding. "We worked together on what they liked in my work, and I’ve been working on it for months."
In the end, the appeal of large-scale art comes down to personal preference and the impact it can have on the viewer. "From my perspective," Lockwood concludes, "big paintings make people feel as if they are almost walking into them." And that, perhaps, is the ultimate goal of any artist.
