Taking thumbnails and using them to prepare for the finished painting. Find out why and how I prepare for my final picture by working out design and color choices with the thumbnail sketch.

Start small and then get bigger...but not too big, Big (2feet by 6feet) requires big tools. Stay at a size that suits you brush.

Here is a thumbnail and I used it as a springboard for this seascape below. That little idea got me going in the right direction.

Get prepared for your art by finding your space, getting your materials together and doing some thumbnails. Thumbnails are your research and then you develop the finished painting with techniques and good materials.

Here are some thumbnails of some abstracts I am working on.

All I have to do now is get ready and get to work. Inspiration always comes after you start work. It does not get you working. The thumbnail is a very easy way to get started. Then just follow through with the rest of the process.