26 Reasons Why Making Small Paintings is Better
After painting and selling larger paintings to art collectors for decades, I finally realized selling small paintings was GENIUS.
I also accepted I could buy and show off more of my own personal collection of paintings from admired artists and painter friends if I only purchased petite pieces.
There truly are so many reasons to start selling small sizes of art over larger work. And there are so many wonderful ways of displaying the pieces that the display process becomes art in itself!
Keep in mind this is just my opinion as well as my experience from the past few years.
I’ve put together a list of 25 compelling reasons why I prefer to sell small work, and want to share them with my fellow artists who may be considering a change as well. Here’s my list:
1. Small Paintings Are More Affordable
Small art pieces can often be sold at more affordable prices, which makes your work accessible to a wider audience.
2. Mini Art and Small Paintings Are in Style Right Now
According to this recent article on Artnet, smaller pieces like mini canvas paintings, small oil paintings, sculptures are all the rage!
3. Lower Production Costs
Mini paintings and art typically requires fewer materials, which saves money and reduces waste.
4. Increased Production Speed
Creating smaller pieces is quicker than working on larger pieces, which allows artists to build up a larger inventory fast.
5. Small Paintings Appeal to Collectors
Mini art is ideal for collectors who want to own multiple pieces but live in small spaces.
6. Perfect for Gifts
Small art makes excellent gifts, especially for the holidays or special occasions.
This post contains sponsored or affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you. All prices are accurate and items are in stock at the time of publication.
$19.99/10 frames
$26.99/25 sets
$59.99
$26.99
7. Easier to Display
Smaller pieces can fit into virtually any space, from tiny apartments to gallery walls. Smaller art can be propped on a mantel or on a bookshelf; or grouped and hung together on a wall. Plus you can frame small paintings using mat show kits and finding inexpensive matching frames to create your own gallery wall.
8. Expands Customer Base
Lower-priced items attract buyers who might not have otherwise invested in art at all.
9. Encourages Impulse Purchases
Small, affordable art often leads to spontaneous buying decisions – especially when people are traveling.
10. Ideal for Beginners
Mini art like small paintings, tiny sculptures or collages are perfect for artists just starting out or experimenting with new techniques.
11. Small Paintings are Portable for Buyers
Small pieces are easy to transport in a bag or suitcase — especially for travelers or event attendees.
12. Great for Art Shows and Markets
Compact art is easier to display and sell in crowded venues like art fairs or craft shows. And if you don’t have enough wall or table space, you can always use a folding rack for collectors to look through.
13. Strengthens Your Brand
Mini pieces can showcase your artistic style in a more accessible format.
14. Encourages Repeat Customers
Buyers often return to buy more small art to create a series or collection.
15. Diversifies Income Streams
Selling smaller pieces alongside larger ones broadens your market appeal.
16. Small Paintings Are Easier to Ship
Mini art is lightweight and inexpensive to package and mail – especially if you live in the United States and ship overseas to places like the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries around the world.
17. Showcases Versatility
Allows artists to experiment with different mediums, color schemes and various themes on a smaller scale.
18. Drives Social Media Engagement
Small, detailed works are easily shareable on social media, and often garner more likes and comments.
19. Appeals to Minimalists
Smaller art fits well with the minimalist lifestyle and home decor trends.
20. Encourages Creativity With Small Paintings
Working on a small scale is a great way to challenge artists to try other styles of work and mediums, like abstract painting, contemporary art or acrylic painting.
21. Ideal for Crowdfunding and Promotions
Mini art can be used as an incentive or reward for patrons or for giveaways to grow your audience.
22. Expands Market Potential
Mini art can be turned into larger prints, giclees, or printed on canvas, as well as magnets, t-shirts, calenders, or other types of products and merchandise.
23. Showcases Growth
Working smaller lets you reach out to your followers more often, and allows potential buyers to follow your artistic evolution.
24. Small Paintings Can Attract New Collectors
Lower price points invite new art lovers and potential first time buyers to engage with your work.
25. Small Paintings Are Easier to Store
I’ve never met an artist who said they had too much room to store finished work! And painting smaller allows you to store more work in less space, which means you can paint even more. Plus there are lots of storage options like this 5-section storage rack
Here are 20 more art storage ideas if you need them!
25. Perfect for Online Sales
Mini art is easy to photograph and list on platforms like Etsy, Saatchi Art, ArtFinder, Zatista, and other online art platforms. boosting your online sales potential.
26. Join and Complete More Art Challenges With Small Art
Another reason to consider making smaller art pieces is to join more art challenges like The 100-Day Project challenge I participated in last year. I’ve started and completed three of these challenges and look forward to doing the next one which starts February 23, 2025.
Working small gives you a better chance of finishing such a challenge, and working faster helps you find your own rhythym and style faster. Plus it’s fun and the sense of accomplishment when you finish is phenomenal!
Final Words about Small Paintings
So if you’re just getting started making art, consider some or all of these 26 reasons why making small paintings may be better to begin your art career with. And if you’re a seasoned pro who has been making huge paintings forever, why not challenge yourself with some smaller pieces? You can use them for demos or to work out new ideas with, and don’t be surprised if your collectors ask to buy them straight off the easel!
