Leave them alone? Or, fuss over them?
These six small paintings started as quick studies — little experiments in color, texture, and composition. My plan was to learn from them, then take what I learned into larger “real” paintings.
But now that I see them all together, I’m tempted to go back in and “fix” things — make small corrections, add more detail, or polish them up until they feel good enough.
Of course, that kind of defeats the purpose of doing quick sketches. They were meant to be loose, fast, and full of energy — not perfect. So now I’m asking myself: can I let them be what they are and move on?
At the moment, I honestly don’t know. Maybe that’s part of the lesson — learning when to stop and when to keep going.
Why quick studies matter:
Doing small, fast paintings helps artists loosen up and learn faster. You discover color combinations, brush techniques, and compositional ideas without the pressure of perfection. It’s a great way to stay creative, experiment, and grow as a painter — one little canvas at a time.
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| At the moment, not for sale. |
I’ll let you know what I decide, all for now, Maggie
About the Artist
Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her colorful, island-inspired acrylic paintings celebrate the charm, light, and character of Key West life. Maggie’s work is collected worldwide and can be found in island homes near and far.
She has been featured in The Key West Citizen, New York Daily News, and other publications.
Visit her studio and gallery, Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations, at
www.maggieruley.com
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