Small Original Paintings for Sale: Little Art, Big Joy
Small original paintings are one of a kind artworks, usually 12 inches or smaller on the long side, made for the cozy spots in a home where a big canvas would never fit. A powder room, a bookshelf, a stack on a console table. That little spot is often where art gets the most love.
I love working relatively small. 9×12 to 11×14 is a sweet spot for me, and typically I can commit and work through them relatively quickly. They’re fun, low pressure and easy for people to say yes to. Big pieces often require a lot more thought and consideration for people.
Why I Love Small Paintings
A small painting lets me be a little braver. I can try a new color combination, a looser flower or a funny idea without spending weeks on it. Some of my best surprises have started this way.
And I collect them too. A little pop or interesting piece in a sweet little spot is something I personally love to experience in my home. Small art makes a house feel lived in and collected over time.
My 9×12 and 11×14 Paintings
This is my sweet spot. Big enough to hang on its own, small enough to tuck almost anywhere. Most of these are on paper, so they also slip right into a standard ready-made frame.
Trust Your Gut – 9×12$175, see it in the shop
Cut and Paste – 11×14$250, see it in the shop
Living Like The Lilies 1 – 9×12$150, see it in the shop
Magic & Mischief 1 – 9×12$150, see it in the shopYou can see every painting in this size range with the medium size filter in my shop.
Tiny Paintings, 8×10 and Under
These are the little ones. Most are under $100, and they’re perfect for a bedside table, a stacked bookshelf or a gift for someone who has “everything.”
Rose Color Study 4 6×8$75, see it in the shop
Palm Study 1 – 6×6$50, see it in the shop
Still Life, Mostly – 6×8$60, see it in the shop
In My Future – 8×10$150, see it in the shopThere are more in my small paintings and in my Under $150 collection.
Small Paintings Love a Partner
Lately I keep painting in pairs. Two paintings that work on their own but clearly belong together. Hang them side by side, stack them or split them between two rooms so they wink at each other.
Tuned In – 11×14$250, see it in the shop
Tuned Out – 11×14$250, see it in the shop
Playing Small 1-9×12$175, see it in the shop
Playing Small 2-9×12$175, see it in the shopPalm Play 1 and Palm Play 2 are another sweet pair if you lean coastal.
Where to Hang Small Art
- Powder rooms. A small room plus a small painting is a perfect match, and guests actually stop and look.
- Bookshelves. Lean one against the books. No nail required.
- Beside a window or door. Those skinny strips of wall are made for little art.
- Stacked on a console. Layer a small painting in front of a larger one for that collected look.
- Kitchens. A little floral by the coffee maker makes mornings better.
- In a group. Three or more small pieces hung together read like one big statement.
If you love mixing art with color and pattern, I wrote about grandmillennial wall art if you’re curious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Original Paintings
What size is considered a small painting?
Generally anything around 12 inches or smaller on the longest side. Sizes like 5×7, 8×10 and 9×12 are classic small formats, and 11×14 sits right on the line between small and medium.
Are small original paintings a good gift?
Some of the best. They’re personal, easy to wrap and fit in any home.
How do I display a small painting?
Hang it at eye level in a tight space, lean it on a shelf or group it with other small pieces so they read together.
Are small paintings less valuable than large ones?
They usually cost less because they take less time and material, but they’re every bit as much an original.
If you’re wondering what original art really costs, I break it down in affordable original art for sale. And if my style isn’t quite what you’re after, send me a note. I know wonderful artists in Palm Beach County and around the country and would be happy to connect you.