Painting in Miniature
Have you ever considered painting in little?
Consider. The shipping costs are so affordable. Frames cost much less. There are thousands of artists, but those who regularly produce miniature art belong to a relatively small group, so you quickly meet like minded artists when you start entering the dozens of shows across the USA and the world.
I'm not talking about painting with one hair from a housefly on a piece of rice at state fairs. In fact, painting in little, I find that I need brushes with lots of hairs, so they hold the paint. What's important to me when I work is a pointy, resilient brush tip and a high flow paint. I prefer synthetic brushes because you use stipple and hashtag strokes painting in miniature, and this is hard on natural hair brushes.
I am proud to have signature membership in the Miniature Artists of America. This is the highest acclaim you can earn if you are selling miniature art in America. Quoting text from the MAA website,
Miniature art is often described as "fine original art done in small scale." A commonly accepted American guideline among many of today's miniaturists is that subjects do not exceed one-sixth their natural size. Exceptions are permitted for abstractions or tiny subjects not lending themselves to the one-sixth application provided they embrace the delicate essence and spirit of miniaturism.
In addition, every miniature art show has a unique set of parameters. Most require the painted image to be less than 25 square inches. Some restrict frame width, and others require specific hanging hardware. In most cases, the frame is judged along with the artwork. So badly mitered corners or overcut mats will result in a negative jury notification.
Three of my favorite miniature fine art shows on the east coast are approaching. If you want a more comprehensive list of the miniature shows available for you to enter, please email me at [email protected] and I am sure we can find one that is just right for you. Whether you enter a show as an artist or not, consider visiting one. Bring your magnifying glass, or pick one up at the door so you can enjoy the art from the perspective it was painted in.
Every November, The Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington, D.C. hosts an exhibition on the second floor of The Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda, MD. HERE is where you can find out more about this beautiful show.
In January, The Miniature Art Society of Florida hosts the largest USA true miniature fine art exhibition each year. HERE is the link for more information. This show is based in the quaint Florida town of Dunedin, and the display alternates venues between the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art and the Dunedin Art Center each year.
During the month of May, Seaside Art Gallery hosts an annual miniature art show where the 1/6 scale rule is relaxed. This is an excellent show, and I am always amazed at the level of talent in the artwork. Also, who doesn't want to visit the beach in May? I make it a point to attend each year.
I hope you are eager to enter or visit one of the true miniature fine art shows after reading about them. Here are some links to galleries and societies that host annual shows.
Fells Point Art Gallery, Baltimore, MD
Council For the Arts, Chambersburg, PA
Willcox Art League, Willcox, AZ
Alabama Miniature Art Society, Mobile, AL
The Snow Goose Gallery, Bethlehem, PA
Heartland Art Guild, Paola, KS
Parklane Fine Art Gallery, Kirkland, WA
Gateway to the Rockies, Aurora, CO
WaterWorks Art Museum, Miles City, MT
