I have always made small oil studies. This page shows a selection of recent small 15 x 15cm paintings. They are all done on location in the landscape.
I found the 15 x15 cm format is the ideal size to work quickly in the landscape and achieve a result. I think an intensive period of two to three hours in the landscape is a good time frame.
I am meticulous about about time with a subject, I need at least one or two hours to first become get connected with it.
The results from these small canvas works gain a connection with the subject, and enhance my understanding of how I wish to make the large painting. In terms of how I wish to mix the colour and apply the paint. I see these small works as ‘warm-ups’. Warms up’s for the mind as well as the brush.