The Power of Small Paintings and the Joy of Summer Creation

The Power of Small Paintings and the Joy of Summer Creation

Summer has always been an important season for me. Outside of my camp schedule, I deliberately take a break from formal classes and exhibitions. Instead of rushing into preparations, I devote this time entirely to reflection and quiet work. It is during these weeks that I step back, look inward, and refine the statements within my heart. This pause is essential for me, and I make every effort to keep my calendar free so that I can focus on myself without distraction.

One of the practices that has shaped my summer is what I call “One Day, One Art.” Since last year, I have committed to creating a small watercolor painting every single day. These miniature works may look modest in size, but they carry vast worlds within them. A small piece of paper does not diminish the value of the work—it becomes an intimate universe, full of color and mystery. I find joy in inviting viewers into these small worlds, each one a door to imagination.

The practical beauty of this practice is that none of these paintings go to waste. Many of them are displayed and sold at outdoor art shows. Others become samples for my students, or gifts, or even personal birthday cards. In the end, nearly every painting finds a purpose. And because they are always in circulation, I find myself needing to create new works each year. This cycle of continual making pushes me to think about how to paint with more ease, fluidity, and confidence.

For any artist, the habit of producing a wide range of works is essential. By painting often, we not only sharpen our skills but also discover our unique style and develop countless personal tips along the way. Of course, devoting oneself to perfecting a single masterpiece has its own meaning. But before one reaches that stage, it is important to paint broadly and frequently. Through this daily practice, I have gained new perspectives on art—from brush movement and speed to silence and reflection, from light and shadow to the essence of true beauty.

As I paint, these words continuously echo in my mind: flow, pause, vibrancy, emptiness, reflection, and calm. They remind me that painting is not simply about endurance or discipline, but about joy. If I cannot find joy while creating, then I cannot hope to teach my students how to create joyfully. To work under strain, merely enduring, would prevent art from being a source of renewal.

Challenge and growth are vital, but so is delight. For me, the essence of painting lies in balancing both—the courage to push forward and the freedom to enjoy the process. This summer practice of “One Day, One Art” has given me not only a steady flow of paintings but also a deeper appreciation for art itself as a way of living.

In the end, art is not only about producing a final piece—it is about inhabiting each step of the journey. These small works remind me daily that creation is not about scale or grandeur, but about presence, joy, and discovery. And in that, I find both freedom and fulfillment.

​Discover the power of painting small every day. Through daily watercolor practice, an artist reflects on joy, growth, and the importance of process over perfection—reminding us that true art lives in the journey, not just the result.