Big Versus Small

This year I gave a lecture and a demonstration at the University on how to scale up, ironically at a point where my latest collections, mini figures and mini watercolour portraits have all been about scaling down.

However, I have worked across a range of sizes, from larger than life, half scale and miniature and each of these require different considerations, time frames, approaches and tools.  What I find most interesting is how our main tool, the body, reacts in such different ways when approaching a particular scale. 

When working small, there's a surgical feel.  Your movements are super controlled with precision being key - one wrong move and your work can be destroyed.  You use man made tools, your body stills and there's a feeling of working ON the piece .

In contrast, when working on large work you move WITH it in a kind of dance.  Your gestures and marks are bigger and bolder while you use the force of your weight, hands and strength to alter it as it alters you.  Your muscles build and it leaves you with a physical tiredness to accompany the mental one.  

 Have you experimented with Scale?

Sometimes we become a little accustom to sculpting at a particular size, painting in a sketch book or using a certain brush.  If you notice a uniformity of size in your works, such as all pieces are on A4 paper or are hand size sculptures, I encourage you choose an image to work with and make 2 versions - Big and Small.


Consider altering your tools by scaling them up or down and be aware of how your body moves in relation to the two contrasting sizes.  If you can't think of an image to work with, try Unsplash, a free image resource.


If you give it a go, let me know how you get on - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Bonus Guide

I've a free guide filled with insider tips for how I make my mini figures, just for you! 

Because working small can be difficult as it's fiddly and every mark or movement you make matters.  But the results of making a little figure to hold in your hand is super special and rewarding. 

If you'd like to take out some of the fiddly frustration, I've put together ten methods I've tried and tested to make mini figures.

This FREE guide gives you:

—->10 actionable tips that can be easily implemented
—->8 bonus add on tips
—-> 2 proportion guides
—-> Template on body shapes
—-> 12 behind the scene photographs.

To receive it, fill out below where you'll get instant lifetime access to this guide and be a part of Studio Notes -  roughly 2 emails a month packed full of creative tips, insights and discounts kept exclusively for you

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