5 ways to create paintings in a series — and why it's a good idea

Have you ever considered creating your paintings in a series? It can be a really effective way of focusing your learning. It can also be a great way to pull together an art show, either your own or a group show with your friends or fellow students.

Series of simple still life paintings, all of one object, all 8" x 10", acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

So, what are some of the possibilities? What kind of series are we talking about? How might you approach it? Here are five ideas for series of paintings you can create.

1. Choose one subject, and explore it in multiple ways (such as a simple still life — one pear, or one apple).

2. Choose one subject, and explore it in the style of a different painter in each painting.
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3. Create one composition, and paint each one in the same size,  using a different palette in each painting.

Six paintings of the same composition, painted in a different color palette • Three Trees in Knights Valley series • each 8" x 10" in acrylics on panel • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

4. Choose a theme, and create a series of paintings that fit your theme.

Landscapes of Napa Valley? Pears? 2020 — a Year We Will All Remember? Springtime Flowers? My Favorite Dogs? The Most Adorable Cats You've Ever Seen? (We don't want any cats to feel left out or overlooked, right?) Jazz Musicians? Portraits of Costumed Models? 

​You get the idea....
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​5. Choose a theme, and create a series of paintings fitting the theme, all in one color palette (it unifies everything, doesn't it?)

Then, explore your series! What can each painting teach you as you move through the series? What can you learn from each new painting that you hadn't learned yet? Yes, paintings can be our teachers. And working in a series is a good way to explore, to discover, and to learn and grow as a painter.