I’m trying different canvas sizes. 30×40 inches seems a little big, and 17×24 seems small. And 8×10 is definitely small. So, I decided on 24×24. After the purchase, I googled that size and learned that square artworks are handled differently from rectangular works. If I had known, I might not have gotten the 24×24; it came in a package of three. Returning the canvases would be a hassle, so I thought it over for several weeks.
Rectangular ones work better for portraits or landscapes. And square artworks are more about shapes or abstraction. I think I was inspired by the Brady Bunch’s iconic opening shot, with 9 squares in the box, each filled with a different character. Doing some quick math, I realized 9 squares on a 24×24 canvas would make each square 8×8. I tried to make each square a different color.
I dreamed of getting a total of 9 24×24 canvases and painting the 9 squares on each. Then, put together, it would be 6 feet by 6 feet. That was too ambitious. On the second canvas, I did 4 squares, and the third painting has two panels. I also have been keeping up with my daily sketches. I got a 2026 diary and plan to sketch in it every day this year. One month has passed into the new year, and I haven’t missed a day. The sketches also help me brainstorm painting ideas.
I’ve been doing a lot of art and reading this winter. Along with calisthenics, a better diet, and making healthy choices, I’m keeping busy.
