No. 13

I usually use 16x20 canvases for bob's paintings, and even so sometimes run out of space for some elements. I think it's almost easier to paint on bigger (but not too big) canvases. On a small canvas it happens very quickly that you add too much paint and can't blend it right. You have to be really precise and careful with the details, while on a bigger canvas everything is bigger, so it's also easier to paint details like thin branches or grass. I tried different sizes, like 12x16, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24, but in the end I like to go with 16x20.
I really like your painting. Try a bigger canvas. Just keep on painting 😉

I always use 18x24. For my Four Seasons painting I used 1/4 of the canvas for each one and it wasn't very successful. I couldn't get comfortable creating a painting at that size. The brushes and knives felt like giants against the smaller work space. Particularly the knife, it felt like using a plasterers trowel. Should have used smaller tools I guess. I really admire those here who manage to do great things on a tiny 3x3. As for running out of space to get all the elements in I wouldn't worry about it, your painting turned out really nice, you don't need everything in there to make a great painting. I find my 18x24s are difficult to post out so when this batch runs out I will be trying 16x20s, I want to continue using my existing tools so I expect I will have to tighten everything up a little bit and hopefully that will do it. Hope that helps.

I think 16by20 inches the minimum size to work comfortably with Bobs size tools. 18by24 is liberating after 16by20.

You got very nice painting here and you certainly learnt how to control tools on a smaller canvas. Very often in USA there are value packs of 16by 20 which cost around 10 dollars for 5 canvases.

I like this painting. My eyes are drawn to the clouds, & you captured some depth. Nice job on the cabin as well. I too started on small canvases but after 1/2 dozen or so, switched to 16x20’s. I’m still using the bargain canvases that I get from Hobby Lobby, six for $12.99.

Thanks for the comments. It sounds like the consensus matches what my gut's been telling me..."Go to the 16x20 canvas." I do have them, but I just always go back to the smaller ones. I've done one painting on a 16x20, and it had the best mountains I've ever done.

When I first started painting, I didn't want to waste paint on a larger size (since I didn't know what I was doing), so I chose 11x14. Maybe I only succeeded in stunting my growth by doing that. Oh well. That's in the past now.

Finally, I've experienced the same small-canvas issues you've mentioned (difficulty blending, tools seem too big, hard to make twigs). But I thought it was just me. Thank you for the input. I appreciate it.

Time to break out the larger canvas.

Regards.

I need to make a correction to my previous comment. The bargain canvases from Hobby Lobby come in packages of 5 for $12.99. Still a great buy for beginners! I've only been painting since mid Feb & paint 3 to 4 pieces per week so I only purchase bargain canvases.