How to know what size your canvas should be...1, 2, 3

For canvas size, I think there are 3 basic areas to consider:
1. What's right for the image.
2. What's right for the artist.
3. What's right for the client/collector.
1. The canvas size should be proportional to the best presentation of the image and composition. After all, this is art we are making. We are not just inadvertently applying paint to whatever canvas happens to be lying about.
There are times when a particular subject matter would be visually unpleasant to view if it were at the wrong size. For example, if a person's portrait had their head just a bit larger than life size, say 1", it could feel "big head" awkward. On the other hand, Life size or smaller is fine. And very much larger than life size can be visually impressive.
It is better to have a canvas custom made for an image, than to compromise the artwork for lazy convenience. Just keep it in mind... 'Take Care of the Art.'
2.The soul of the artist should be satisfied. As an artist, pay close attention to how you feel about various sizes of paintings. The sizes that most stir and thrill your feelings of artistic passion (large, medium, or small) are the sizes you likely should most often paint. Be careful to avoid shrinking back from decisions based on fear. Actually, I have found that doing what you fear, will multiply the speed of your skill development, and greatly enhance your confidence.
Take care of the Artist.
3. The client/collector may have a clear understanding of their budget restraints and their wall sizes. However, this is often not the case.
Clients may have misconceptions about how large a painting should be and how their real values can be met with proper guidance from the artist. If at all possible, go on location to help the client see and feel what will be best for their visual enjoyment.
It has been my experience that when I go on site, 4 things go up: 1. The budget. 2. The canvas size. 3. The artistic pleasure of the artist. And most importantly, 4. The satisfaction of the client.
If you'll get the canvas size right, you'll likely...
- Take care of the Art
- Take care of the Artist
and...
- Take care of the client.
and... the repeat client will continue to take care of you.

[@farmerfox3332]

Good stuff! Just subscribed

[@tdouglas6632]

I took your advice and did the complicated painting off my cat, in the interest of challenging myself and getting better at watercolor. It turned out so well, I decided to do a few “pet portraits” for my friends and one of my daughter’s dog as an upcoming birthday gift. Now, I have a commission for a family of pets (4 dogs and 2 cats) and was wondering how I was going to compose it. This video where you talk about each “little painting” within the larger composition is GOLD. I now have a plan and know exactly how I’m going to “eat this elephant.” 😂 Thanks, again, for the good advice!

[@user-cw7on7uf8i]

You tell it well.I would like to watch a good video about the heat of cold in painting.And how you apply these rules.The video about perspective is also cool!!“thanks.

[@joa8227]

Another great video with more really useful ideas. Thank you.

[@user-hr1ls1ep5i]

Great video. Lots of useful info. But most of all I feel reinvigorated to paint, due to your infectious enthusiasm for the joy of it. Thanks.

[@markb.goodson593]

That’s pretty cool, I wish you much joy in your upcoming painting adventures.

[@cindyoverall8139]

I have some advise.. canvas moves.. stretchers move. Eventually there will be cracklure.. Primed masonite never moves,. Use paint rollers when applying gesso. And a light coat,. Then put red acrylic paint down as your primer. The red acts like as the mahl the same as red acts under gold leaf. If one sees a tiny pit of red between subject, it gives a finished Quality. And Masonite can be sawed to any size. Your eagle is great.