I wish you could see the tiny (1x1 inch) acrylic paintings I did for my mother-in-law’s dollhouse. I recreated some full-size paintings that were HER mother’s. One was some locals in their field on their farm and the other was a beach scene of a lonely tree. I started “tiny painting” when I worked for a famous restaurant that serves endless soup, salad and breadstix. I painted on the round name tags they wore. I didn’t get paid for it but I was showed appreciation by the servers, hosts and other staff there. It was the best part of my 25 years there.
I wish I could see those paintings you talk about, how about putting us an instagram account link here and uploading them if you dont have them already up?
If I had to guess why these tiny paintings resonate with people so much, I'd say it's because they make plein air painting seem more approachable and less intimidating. If I had to bring a big bag of supplies, maybe even an entire easel outside with me whenever I wanted to paint, I know I'd never do it. The time commitment can be a deterrent too. Not just the time it takes to paint, but also traveling to a location and back home. Most people have busy lives and can't dedicate an entire morning or afternoon to painting. You make it look like a fun and easy experience.
Your learning tiny painting also changed my life. I found you on RU-vid and become fascinated by these lovely paintings. I’ve been hooked ever since. I have learned so much from you. Drawing small, what details to choose and colors is so much fun! It brings me such joy! Thank you for sharing for the tiny paintings and the memories.
I’d love to see how you work too if you have a channel or Instagram!❤ if not, I’m happy for your own journey! Hope I can get my act together and try too!😂❤
It’s great to pick up your little leanings, it’s incremental, we forget how we learnt stuff, what we didn’t know before…. You note these steps really clearly. Thank you
I clicked on this video because I love tiny things. You don’t give yourself enough credit. ALL of those paintings are pleasing. I wish I could draw half as good as you. I adore the tiny palette. It’s so very sweet and cute. Mini things rule. Keep on keeping on. You are awesome. 💜
I would love to see the gazebo repainted! The story warmed my heart and it must be wonderful for her to sit out there with the daylillies in full bloom and feel his presence by her side 🥰 what a beautiful way to remeber such an important man from your life :-)
There’s something magical about miniature versions of almost anything. Your paintings are gorgeous! I can’t imagine spending months and months on one piece. ❤❤❤
Thank you Leslie for introducing me to tiny painting. For the first time in my life I’m painting more regularly. When I look through my first little book I love some of the paintings I’ve done and look at others which are disasters! I try not to mind the disasters because I know every time I paint I’ve learned something. To have a tiny pocket set is magical. I love it, and it is down to you I now have the little set and paint regularly. Triumphs or disasters, I can escape from the noise of the modern world and calm it all down 🙂
That’s super! I find that I usually warm towards my paintings over time. The ones I can’t stand when I create them are still fond memories. I’m glad you are creating your own little collection of memories. 😊
I don't have your skill, or, indeed, feel drawn to tiny painting, but this video was just a delight to watch...calming, meditative...your voice is lovely and I like so much that you show us the scene you were painting, next to the beautiful rendering of it.
You have inspired me to try painting on a smaller scale (postcard) because I tend not to finish things, and a smaller scale would be doable for me. Thank you for sharing your artistic journies with the world! I look forward to watching more of them! ❤ 🖌🎨 * from Janet - Louisville, KY (USA)
By far the best, watercolor book tour ever. It was comforting that you struggle with the same struggles as we do/I do. Criticizing your work. At the same time the pieces you like are not always the pieces others enjoy. There’s been times all I see are the mistakes made, I mean lessons learned. 😅For friends or family to come over and say it’s spectacular. Thank you for letting us experience this part of your journey.😊👍
I'm so glad I stumbled upon you on RU-vid. Pre pandemic I used to do alot of large figurative paintings, but I felt very daunted and uncomfortable about plein air painting, something I really wanted to do. Your tiny palette and book post has inspired me to be brave and challenge myself. I'm currently on Ynyslas beach, Wales. So Thankyou and I look forward to more of your posts.
Thank you for this video, your tiny paintings have changed my life too! I have been painting a few years and did watercolour but with two young children my painting time was very limited when I was outside. Then I saw your videos and I ordered a tiny palette from natsume and I made my own tiny sketchbook. I haven’t looked back since. It’s the perfect lightweight set up and I’ve grabbed so many opportunities to do tiny painting. This summer we went to Devon on holidays and I have four cute paintings of my holidays. And you are so right that the painting contains the memories of happy times taking in a beautiful view. So thank you so much.
You should be really happy with all of them. They are beautiful paintings. I love how you’re able to fit so much in, in such a small space and capture beautiful memories like your dad’s gazebo. A way to enjoy your work more is to remember what Van Gogh said, “What’s done in love, is done well.” This helped me be less critical of things I do.🕊️🖤💫
I remember a lot of those... Thank you for helping me to dare more,thank you for changing my life too. Outside painting is an incredible experience for me too. Truly thank you, bises Leslie 👍🙏🏼😘
You do amazing art and have reminded me to go small, so that my plein-air bag (a small pink purse that i bought for a wedding and never used again 😆) is easy to grab and go. My pallet isn't as small as yours, in fact it is one you do not even like (micro portable painter) but it fits so well in that silly pink purse that i have come to cherish. You are the reason that I have revisited waterbrushes, bought athletic wristbands and that gray square thing for finding a composition. (Man o man does that help me not try to squeeze in too much) and the masking fluid pen (who knew that you don't have to wait overnight for masking fluid to dry) BUT what draws me to your videos (beyond the encouragement to get out and paint) is all the clicks and snaps of the magnets, clips and plastic lids coming off as you set up. Its like smelling dinner cook before the table is set. I get weary of artists waving their hands over white paper while telling me what their plans are for the video. But the clicks and snaps while you tell me what your video is about get my jucies flowing. Brilliant! Debs in Montana
Thanks, Deb! I love all of the clicks and snaps too. It takes me hours to edit these videos, but I try to make them interesting to watch. 😊 I might just have to try the micro. Many people love it and I think it’s so great that you use a purse from your wedding for your painting adventures. 👛
I don't know how I found myself here, but I'm glad I found the channel. I love anything "tiny." I have no idea why. These are so lovely! And the paint kit is adorable! This has me in tears. I used to draw in childhood and in high school for class. Not anything close to as good as you. But it was something. I'm in my 50s now and haven't drawn in decades. I did try once, some years ago. My hands had forgotten everything. It's like I never had done it at all. The good thing is a couple of years ago I found (well, my niece found it) my old high school binder with a bunch of drawings. So I do have physical proof that, at one time, I did know how to draw at least somewhat. I just wish I could do it again. Anyway, thank you.
I loved this tour of your tiny sketchbook! I have a tiny book that I got back in college and put aside; blank. Now I'm in my late 60s I picked it up and started drawing and have nearly filled it entirely with wonderful things. You've inspired me now to fill a tiny sketchbook with paintings! I'm excited to expand my practice. Thank you so much, Leslie!
The ‘tiny house’ one is my favourite. I like the flowers in the foreground. You should go and paint Stonehenge if you’re not far from there? You could park your new van up The Drove?
I love everything about this video but the thing I found to be such a great idea was using the Wilson wrist wrap as your towel!! Brilliant! I adore the paintings - adore the idea in general! It's spurred my imagination in so many ways. Thank you.!
I think each little painting is a treasure. I am personally not gifted with drawing, nor with painting. I would like you to record this again, but speak positivity over EACH painting, instead of the intense criticism. If the kit is not TOO expensive, I may actually get one to try some art therapy!
This is a wonderful video ... I love landscapes. I live in the mountains of North Carolina so I always try to paint mountains ... I raise chickens and ducks so I'd love to see more ducks, or chickens, in paintings. Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your talent with us.
As I have watched your videos making tiny paintings, I have fallen in love with them. I love that they are not an exact copy of the scene but more of a representation. The paintings have the look of a slightly rough but polished sketch, which makes them beautiful. I love seeing the final painting and then seeing the painting next to the scene. I look forward to seeing more in the future.
What a great idea! The tiny format makes it seem easily done too which means that it's more likely to happen and to actually be carried around. I will definitely try this. Maybe for such tinyness smooth paper is best.
I struggle so much using waterbrushes! No matter what I do it stays too wet, even after drying it. That could explain the trouble you had with paint vibrancy. Maybe a small travel brush instead.
Ah, that’s interesting! I might try regular brushes someday. I’ve learned to control the water in the water brushes by adjusting the angle I hold them. For tinies they are sooo convenient! 🤗
Oh Leslie, this is totally charming. I have always loved miniatures and thought "some day I should paint some miniatures" and I've also thought how lovely it would be to paint en plein aire. So I think you may hve inspired me to try it. I have seen this little watercolour paint set before, and I love how you can hold it all in one hand! Your tiny paintings are just beautiful, and oh... whoever ends up with that tiny sketchbook in the future will treasure it, I'm sure. Thanks for the lovely tour! I'm thoroughly enchanted.
The painting of the gazebo your father built is beautiful, although the one in Plymouth is my favorite. They're all so beautiful. You have instilled within an old artist to make his own little sketchbooks and hand them out to the children in my neighborhood. Wicked talented lady.
What a lovely concept! Desaturated mids might be a feature of reservoir brushes, i.e. too much water to concentrate pigment. Just one small round pointy brush with soft synthetic bristles wouldn't be difficult to rinse, and might expand the available saturation range considerably!
Such great memories. I remember back to the first one where you were using your hoodie to hold the camera. I saw it on instagram. And I remember many of the others in the book. Cute Poppy too. 😍 I have such troubles getting organized so your method really helped me have a way of getting myself together to paint. 💗 I think tiny is a lot of fun because for people who have a lot of experience - it’s something new and for relative newbies, like me, it feels more manageable. I think too much space to cover makes me nervous. Also, if you’re on a tight budget you can use very high quality paper & paints and sustain that for longer. Also as you mentioned, it’s so much easier to have what you need with you and move around easily. Favorite Painting. I love hearing you tell about the struggles with them. It’s very educational. Especially because I already have a feeling about the ones I saw you paint as you posted them. I don’t always see the things that you point out, it’s more of a gestalt vibe to me. It’s funny because I can remember where I was when I saw some of these so I can imagine how strong a memory it is to create them leaves. Scents are something else I remember when creating especially outdoors. So many favorites from this collection. I think the one that had really stuck with me watching this was the white flowered bush one. Because I sooo wanted to do that one right away. 😊 I love the pops of color. But also the cottages. The one where you mentioned the trees and the wire leading your eye in. There’s one with a prominent lovely tree. Like an old oak that I love too. I found you on you tube by accident today and was so excited to see you again! Thank you for all the encouragement and it was very nice to hear your voice. I always thought you would have an English accent. 🙃🙂 Thank you for sharing this and all the words of encouragement!!! ♥️
This video randomly popped up for me as I’m painting my second tiny painting (dogs, acrylic on tiny canvases). I’m prepping for a 6-week road trip and looking forward to painting on the road. Tiny makes it possible! Anyway thanks for sharing, it has been a delight to paint with you. 😁
Your videos always inspire me to paint. I’ll attempt tiny even if it’s just inside my lovely house. Thank you so much, Leslie, for sharing your beautiful work and for glimpses of happy Poppy. Have a happy 😊😊
This video has so much to offer! The small, manageable size, your drawings (are way beyond what most people could do!), the Wilson tennis cuff as a paint wipe-off towel-super clever idea that I had not seen before!- the cute palette, sketchbook and clip make plain air painting SO much more feasible to me! And being a lover of stationery items, I love your tools, that tool case, and the view finder! I surely hope that you have listed these in the description. I’m going to go look and see right after I finish posting this! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! This is a goldmine!!! 😁😁😁
Leslie, we have so much in common, and although I'm not working as tiny as you (I do about 3x3") little books, it's small for me. Having been burnt out on the marketing/sales promotion side of my art biz, I've gone back to ART For Me! And sketchbooks play a big part in just playing and re-finding the fun again. I've been following for a year now and love your calm manner. AND I've wanted to get a travel van for my arting for about 5 years now, Congratulations You! As an older gal, I need to get my act in gear, times flying away!
I’m so happy I found you today! Your May 2023 paintings are my favorites. The hillside covered in flowers is divine. I’m about to find my watercolor supplies and try again. I think working in a small format will make me less intimidated. Thank you!
Your least fave was my fave.. early cool misty morn! Your secret garden is ALWAYS things of my dreams.. so nice your hubby built it for you.. I'm envious of your perspective as well. Your texture on the tree bark.. and any of the rocks and water and cliffs..I appreciate all your tips and memories and inspiration..lovely
Thanks so much! The Secret Garden is a dream, but a bit treacherous to reach, especially in winter. It was a scary garden up there until my husband and his nephew created a little paradise out of it. ❤
I watched your video 2 or 3weeks ago Was inspired to try it and gave myself a 30 day challenge I have done 12 so far but find I am painting more from my photos and inside more than not. Still I have learned so much about sketching in this tiny book. My goal is still to combine and use it outside
Watching your video reminded me of the tiny paintings I did in Morocco in May. A friend had given me a tiny handmade book, which she had made. I took it with me, along with a black Pigma pen, a couple of paintbrushes, and a Derwent Intense watercolour field box. I also took a postcard sized watercolour sketchbook, a couple of graphite drawing pencils and an eraser, which I used a couple of times, too. I loved being able to put my tiny book, a black drawing pen, a couple of brushes, and the field box in a zip lock bag and carry it with me in my purse every day. I was travelling with nonartists so I couldn't spend too much time on anything. Sometimes I'd spend a few minutes doing the ink drawing and add colour back in the room. Sometimes, they'd be off doing their thing and I'd have the whole day to wander around and do my tiny doodles, as I called them. And sometimes, I'd have to take a few photos on my phone and refer to them later when I returned to my lodgings. I ended up with 20 pages of tiny paintings, a wonderful memento of my trip. And I rediscovered the joy of painting.
I’m so inspired by you. I found your channel a few days ago. I have wanted to paint in watercolor, but no matter what I do it still defeats me. However, your tiny paintings have given me the confidence to try again. I don’t think I’d be as intimidated with small scale paintings like I do with larger works. Thank you 💖
Day one of asking: can you please give a tour of ehat you keep in you green pencil case for your watercolour set. I already have the same pencil case, and as soo as i saw you used it to i knew i needed i tour but i could not find one on your channel. I really love you art and you inspire me so much Leslie.❤
Thank you for sharing these paintings once again in more detailed description. Some I remember others I must've missed. At least I can't remember seeing them before. Seeing your tiny paintings one day last spring inspired me to start painting again and watching your videos helped me so much to try styles and techniques new to me. ❤
@@LeslieStroz I sure am 🥰 may I ask you a question. Some time ago I watched one of your longer videos and you recommend a Watercolor tutorial book, somewhat older but very good for beginners. I noted it down, but the note was lost. It was by a male author and I seem to remember a boat on the cover. Do you know which one I am talking about? I even checked it out on Amazon at the time, 2 months ago, but for the life of me I cannot remember the author's name. Sorry to bother you.
@@LeslieStroz forget about my question, I found the video you did. It's the one by Duane R. Light. I am in Dublin next week maybe I can pick it up there, otherwise - Amazon 🥰
Leslie, this literally was here when I logged in this morning in hot south east rural coastal Italy! I was transfixed and hardly breathing, until interrupted by an ad 3/4way through! My take away is how, in almost every painting, you mention how you have such a lovely memory, and that you gained so much joy and happiness from each experience, this is what is filling my heart… thank you for the inspiration I never thought to do this or have seen anyone else… now to watch many more of your videos and order a tiny palette and tiny book! Happy Monday! ❤❤
OMG! I to live in Wisconsin so I knew many of these places. This is my home towns but is little painting form. I clicked on this because I'm trying to get into water colors more, and I was not expecting AT ALL for you to paint to my home towns. I've never really been big into drawing what's around me. I usually make up the scene in my head using references but I really should draw more of my country town. I know that would dentally be pleasing to my family. Sorry if that is too personal I just really wasn't expecting this. wonderful art, don't be to hard on yourself❤
My favorites are the ones when you had your dog with you, and especially the one with the cow invasion 😂 Your videos and shorts had an impact on me and inspired my purchasing a tiny book and a tiny palette for myself. So far I haven’t done anything with that book but when I do, I plan to try documenting it as well. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world, and for the inspiration! I’m once again enjoying creative endeavors and it’s been fun and a learning experience coming back to painting more frequently.
I have just bought a few art supplies inspired by a painting you did of your cabin. I believe that was a larger painting though. I have had my GoDraw pallet for several years but I never did get going with it. This video has lit a fire in me and so I wanted to say thank you. I’ll be heading out tomorrow to paint my first mini painting. I’m thinking of a local park. When I do I’ll tag you on IG. October 20th was my favorite from this video.
That’s awesome! The other tiny I did of the tiny house is in my other sketchbook (which I just finished today!), so it was the same size. The tiny format is so fun- I hope you love it too! 😊
Thanks for sharing all these lovely locations and tiny paintings with us. Love the thatched cottage and Bleineim palace, especially. I have never tried tiny painting but your work is so inspirational I hope to try soon with my Natsume honeycomb palette. Best wishes, Kathy x
I'm about to go on vacation for pretty much the first time. I was debating whether or not to bring some paints with me, and now youve convinced me that I definitively will!
Yesss, I can't explain it either, but I'm obsessed with tiny paintings, love them so much! Not enough that I've tried it myself yet, but goodness, seeing this little set might be what gets me to give it a try sooner rather than later. It's adorable, and your paintings are wonderful, even the ones you were disappointed with! (As an aside, my husband and I are thinking of going to Door County for our 25th anniversary this year. I've heard so many wonderful things about it, but we've never been.) Thanks for sharing these gems with us! I'm glad RU-vid put you in my feed this morning. 🥰
You must try painting tiny if you’re interested- it’s so calming to do. My father used to go skiing in Door County when he was a child (in the early 1940s!). My parents honeymooned up there and we went up a few times a year. I moved there after uni and did my student teaching there. It’s one of my fav places on the planet. If you do go, I’d recommend Ephraim and Fish Creek… and driving up to Ellison Bay and Gill’s Rock. You won’t be disappointed!! And Happy Anniversary!! ❤
@@LeslieStroz Thank you so much for taking the time to share those recommendations! We're about a six-hour drive from Door County, so not too bad at all. Sounds like it's well worth the road trip!! 🥰
Breath giving! Thank you. Thanks for listing the materials so I didn’t have to ask a question. I didn’t know about the masking fluid pen. Seems like a miracle! Ordered one 15 minutes ago.
Thank you for this inspiring episode. My first time.to "meet you".😍 One of my key takeaway -- this confirms why I love the English landscape. Breathtaking. One of my fave memories EVER.is.how deeply I fell in love with Kew Gardens. 💕
