As a mixed media artist, I create paintings using various materials – some that require extensive layering and drying times. Hence, working on multiples helps keep the momentum and stops me from overthinking during the drying process of different pieces. But there are more reasons why I find it advantageous to work in multiples.

Reduces Pressure

When I first started painting, I used to work on one piece at a time. I often found myself stuck in the early stages, falling in love with areas I felt too precious. This caused me to be afraid to take risks and try new ways of resolution. I found being in this situation stifling, creating unnecessary pressure for a specific outcome. I would fiddle around on this one piece until I felt I had reached a point of no return and would often abandon it. I felt crushed and frustrated. I wondered how professional artists produced a consistent large body of works and kept smiling.

Then I figured out the secret: multiples. I’ve been working in multiples for years now, and this process has been a game-changer. When things aren’t going the way I want with one work, I can step back and move on to another painting. It’s the perfect call and response setup. A particular mark-making in one painting can present a question, prompting another question or requiring a resolution in another piece to follow. Most importantly, if a specific piece isn’t working, it no longer matters; I can move on as I have enough other pieces still on the go.

Consistency and Cohesiveness

While creating in abundance alleviates the pressure of not having enough pieces you might need for a body of work, it also creates more consistency. I’ve noticed that my work has developed a cohesive style through working on several pieces at once. Cohesiveness is essential for preparing works for exhibitions, launching a new series, and showing a complete body of work on your website.

Improves Efficiency

If you’re like me and like to work in layers and textures, creating multiple pieces allows for some to dry while you work in different stages of completion on others. Also, it helps streamline various tasks like varnishing, framing, and taking photos for my website and catalogs. It saves me a great deal of time and resources.

Finally, working on multiples keeps me from getting bored with my work! It helps keep my eyes fresh and lets me try out ideas that I’ve been curious about without expectations or feeling precious.

Like and let me know in the comments below if you found this tip helpful.