Art Without Limits: Empowering Women to Paint Large
In my last blog post, “Embracing the Canvas: Size Matters for Female Artists,” we started to explore the emotions behind why we choose to create on a big and small scale. I shared my own shift from painting bold, expansive pieces to finding so much joy in smaller, intricate works that just felt right for me. We talked about how large canvases can be a freeing and cathartic experience, while smaller ones offer a sense of intimacy and comfort. There were some revelations!
This week, I want to keep that conversation going by exploring the barriers we as women may face when it comes to creating large-scale art and how societal expectations can sometimes hold us back from fully expressing ourselves. Let’s get into it!
As we go deeper into our exploration of our choice of canvas size, I think we have to address the barriers that may prevent some women from working on large-scale paintings. The challenges we face are multifaceted, intertwined with emotional, mental, and societal influences that have been historically rooted in the art world. I don’t want to get all academic here, but I do think we need to at least acknowledge that these challenges are real.
While we are witnessing a gradual shift, with more women being recognized for creating large scale artwork, there are lasting effects from past limitations that women experienced and they still linger in the shadows, whether we like to admit it or not. We may have internalized self-doubt and have experienced unequal access to time and resources. These things continue to present challenges unique to female artists. As we (re)claim our space and visibility, the landscape of the art world will continue to change, but progress remains slow, and ongoing support is still needed for gender equality in the arts.
THE BARRIERS (let’s look at 2 of them)
Barrier One: The Visibility Gap
Despite advancements, the visibility of men in large-scale art—particularly in high-profile galleries and museums—remains disproportionately higher. This is largely because of some deep-rooted biases in the art world, where women often don’t get the same chances to shine in these spaces. Big artworks are often promoted more because of their visual impact and higher value, a trend that historically favours male artists, who have had greater access to these venues.
Barrier Two: Cultural Conditioning and Its Impact
Society conditions women to be modest, restrained, and accommodating, which seeps into our creative expression. Taking up space with bold, large works can feel at odds with ingrained expectations to "not be too much" or "stay in your lane." Consequently, many women may feel more comfortable working within boundaries that don’t challenge these norms, making it daunting to approach larger canvases.
If you’ve been eyeing a large canvas but are unsure whether you’re ready to make that leap, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s all too easy to feel that big, bold projects aren’t meant for you, especially when those quiet whispers of doubt creep in. But let’s gently shift that thinking—your voice, creativity, and vision deserve the space to expand.
Wrapping this up (for now!)
As we wrap up our discussion on the barriers women face in creating large-scale art, remember that you are not alone in this journey. It’s all about taking small steps toward that big canvas, giving yourself permission to be seen, and embracing your unique creative voice. The challenges we’ve talked about—like the visibility gap and cultural conditioning—are real, but they don’t define you or your art.
Your stories deserve to be told in big ways, and you have every right to claim your space. So, let’s take this journey together in Soulful Stories, where we can celebrate the beauty of painting big and explore the freedom that comes with it. The canvas is waiting, and I can't wait to see the incredible things you create!
THE SUPPORTS (here are 3)
(Here’s one from me! )Creating the Space: Soulful Stories
As we continue this conversation, I invite you to explore these themes in my upcoming workshop, Soulful Stories. This workshop encourages participants to create mid-size and larger canvases, offering a safe space to step out of comfort zones and stretch creative legs. It’s an opportunity to tell your story in a big, brave way—whenever you feel ready.
In the end, the scale of your work isn’t about impressing others or fitting into a certain mold. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to create in a way that resonates with you, in a space that feels as big as your ideas. You are capable, you are worthy, and you are allowed to create expansively. The canvas is waiting, and so is the bold artist inside of you.
JOIN THE SOULFUL STORIES WAITLIST
Support Two: Embracing the Journey of Creation
Here are some thoughts on how to ease into the idea of painting on a larger scale:
Give Yourself Permission: We often wait for external validation, but the only permission you truly need comes from within. Let go of the idea that large work is reserved for others—this is your creative journey. Claim the space you deserve. Sometimes, it’s as simple (and complicated) as telling yourself, "I’m allowed to do this." Remember, bravery is built one small permission slip at a time.
Don’t Aim for Perfection—Aim for Play: Big canvases can feel intimidating because they seem to demand "serious" art. What if you approached them with a spirit of play? Let the canvas become a space where you can experiment, make mistakes, and let go of any expectations. Treat it as a playground for your creativity rather than a test of your abilities. This mindset shift takes away some of the pressure and opens your willingness to go big.
Channel the Power of the Body: Painting on a large canvas is a whole-body experience, and it can be incredibly liberating. Engage your entire body—move your arms, legs, and whole self! Embrace the joy of moving freely and energetically. This connection to your body can help break down the mental barriers that may keep you from embracing larger formats.
Honour Your Journey: There’s no right way or timeline to working big. Honour where you are right now and recognize that even contemplating this leap is significant. Trust that when you’re ready, you’ll find the courage to take up that space, allowing your voice to expand in the process.
Support Three: Take Up Space
If you are wanting to paint on a larger scale and need a pathway there, start by giving yourself permission to take up space—both physically and creatively.
To help ease into this permission:
Affirm Your Right to Create:
Begin with an affirmation or simple statements. Here are a few that I came up with:
My art matters.
I am worthy of taking up space with my art.
I embrace the freedom of working on a large canvas and trust the process.
My creativity is powerful, and it deserves to be expressed boldly.
I release the fear of judgment and allow myself to create freely
Use mine or come up with your own and then write your affirmation down and place it where you can see it while you work.
Small Steps to Big Canvas: Consider setting up a space where you can work on larger pieces without judgment. It could be in your art space, outside (my fav!) or even a corner of your living room. Just the act of preparing that space starts to shift your mindset and send the message — that you are ready to take up more room.
Start with Intentional Movement: Before you even begin painting, spend a few moments moving your body, stretching, or even dancing. This physical act can help reinforce the idea of taking up space, it will loosen you up, and may make you feel more connected to the canvas.
By giving yourself permission, you empower yourself to step beyond your comfort zone. Remember, every artist starts somewhere, and your journey toward larger works can be a beautiful expression of your growth and courage. You deserve to paint big!
As we wrap up our discussion on creating large-scale art as women, remember that you are not alone in this journey. The challenges are real, but they don’t define us or our art. Our stories deserve to be told in big ways, and we have every right to claim that space. So, let’s take this journey together in Soulful Stories, where we can celebrate the beauty of painting big and explore the freedom that comes with it.
The (big!) canvas is waiting, and I can't wait to see the incredible things you create!
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