64: I Made A Big Painting
Okay, big for me. And I am having a book party, too!
Making a larger piece like this is kind of a big deal for me. I usually keep my work inside sketchbooks no taller than 8 inches—small enough to easily flip through and tuck onto my shelf as part of the collection of memories. I’ve never quite known what to do with loose artwork, especially if it doesn’t sell. Still, I always encourage people to work both in and out of sketchbooks to capture their experiences and the world around them. We know that what begins in a sketchbook can lead to something bigger—like a series of work or new idea for a larger painting, and that’s what happened here. While I’m not currently making work to sell, maybe this piece is the beginning of something new.
This piece is 11 x 14 and tells a complete story. I love the extreme cropping—my son holding a book I’d just bought him after we saw the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition at the Met on Mother’s Day last month. We were on our way home on a crowded subway, me sitting, him standing, balancing his new book under one arm and gripping the handle above me with the other. He loved the show—his favorite fashion exhibit yet—not only because it focused on menswear (what he is most interested in), but also because of the history and storytelling. It felt like such a New York moment, the kind I don’t take for granted. I’m still grateful that we can hop on a train uptown and see an exhibition people travel from all over the world to visit. For all of these reasons, this felt like the perfect scene to draw again—one that captured a real memory, told a layered story, and felt visually satisfying.
The process of making this felt familiar, even though the scale was new. I approached it like I would a sketchbook page—same materials, same brushes—but it’s clear in places, like the arm and t-shirt, that I probably could have gone up a brush size. Maybe even used different paints. Still, I really enjoyed making this piece and feel encouraged to keep going, to try more, and to ignore the “now what do I do with it?” thoughts.
Big thanks to my friend Lacey, who agreed to the challenge of working larger. We gave each other a deadline and kept our promise to finish and share. The words on the cover of the book are painted with a gold paint Lacey gave me as a little nod to her!
A Book Party In Brooklyn—Everyone Is Welcome!
Join me for the release party for my new book, Draw Your Adventures—July 15th, 2025! At Dawn’s ‘til Dusk, 33 Main Street, in Brooklyn, NY, from 6-8pm.
It’s been a while since my last book party in 2018, when my first book launched. So, I’m thrilled to finally celebrate again, and I’d love for you to join me!
Here’s the best part: Anyone who brings proof of a pre-order OR their own copy of the book for me to sign will receive a free second copy of Draw Your Adventures! More exciting details to come as we get closer to the event.
There will be drinks, light snacks, and my favorite treats from One Girl Cookies. I can’t wait to celebrate with you all!
Please RSVP if you think you can make it so we have an idea of how many people will be there.
I loved chatting with Lori Siebert and Jamie Jamison on their podcast, Rebloom. They asked such thoughtful questions, and the time flew by. We talked about everything—from growing up surrounded by art, to how my career shifted from design to illustration and writing, and how creativity continues to flow through to my kids. I hope you enjoy listening!
• The next Draw Your World subscriber meetup is on June 17th! This will be our second Draw Your World Portraits session. Don’t be nervous, everyone who joined last time loved it so much that I am hosting another. All invitations are shared in the subscriber chat.
Drink & Draw With Creatively Wild
Join me on June 25th from 6-8pm for a fun workshop that I am teaching under the archway in DUMBO. This year we will be creating continuous line faces or portraits and then painting them and filling the shapes with color and collage. This is an all-level workshop. Click here to book your spot.
You can now order signed and personalized copies of Draw Your Adventures from Books Are Magic. Order by July 9th!
Ambassador and Affiliate Codes
If you’d like to try out Blackwing pencils or just order some new items, please shop using this unique link: blackwing602.com/sdionbaker. When you purchase using my link, there’s no additional cost to you, and I earn a small commission. I appreciate your support!
My relationship with the US distributor of Caran D’Ache, Creative Art Materials, started back when I wrote Draw Your Day in 2018—after they saw that I have been using their materials since I was in grade school. Click here to find some my favorites on the Orange Art website.
All products from Art Toolkit are 10% off with my discount code: SDIONBAKER10
All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10.
Love this bigger painting Sam, such great memoirs for both of you. I think it’s a framer to have in your shared art studio.
I would love to hear a session where you talk about approaching a larger canvas. I’m trying to now and I’m oddly really intimidated even though I never used to work small, now I only do sketchbook size and going big seems like a harrowing endeavor.