Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tiny commission - Frostbite

Frostbite
2.5 x 3.5 inches
Coloured pencil on drafting film
This was a commission for a wonderful customer who bought many of my ACEO's when I was producing them in a big way. As a way of saying thank you to my customer for all her support, I offered to do her a larger portrait at no extra charge, but she said she would rather have a tiny one. It is funny with miniature art, many of my well meaning friends, and even other artists, have asked me why I don't work larger, or "it is a shame that artwork isn't bigger!" What many of them don't realise, is that in most instances it takes me just as long to produce a tiny commission like this, as it does to produce a larger one. Miniature art reminds me of when I was young and would get a special present for my Birthday that I treasured so much I would carry it around with me and sit it on my bedside table at night. These little miniatures are so small they can be popped in a handbag, or sat on a dresser. Large works of art can be appreciated from a distance, but miniature artworks invite us to come closer to really study the artwork and look with wonder at each tiny brush stroke or pencil line. We can hold them in the palm of our hand like a little treasure. I get mesmerised by looking at other people's miniature art and seeing what they can achieve in tiny spaces.

8 comments:

Tracy Hall said...

Another beautiful peice Karen and I thought your description of miniatures was lovely!

Anonymous said...

Awww this is lovely Karen,so sweet. I know what you mean about small things,and I love looking at my collection of ATCs from all over the world.....as they say small is beautiful.

Autumn Leaves said...

Frostbite is gorgeous, Karen. I love when you add color; you always seem to add just the perfect amount in the most perfect places. I also loved hearing your thoughts on miniatures. Little treasures indeed!

Carol Andre' said...

He's such a cutie- and what a typical "kitty" look!
Great post- I think only miniature lovers and collectors really understand what it takes and all the "tiny treasures" these little pieces are- and how fascinating they can be to explore under magnification.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Tracy, Vic, Sherry and Carol for all your lovely comments. I know you ALL appreciate and love miniature art and thank goodness - it is heartwarming to have friends who share a love for this artform!!!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

This is such a lovely work Karen and you are so right about miniature art. They are tiny treasures that should be cherished! You have done the whites on this one so well. I find them more difficult than other colors on film. Great job!

Unknown said...

Stunning Karen, those pastel colours are fantastic. I really appreciate what you say about miniature art, and I think you are really skillful)

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Barbara and Sam - your comments always make my day. Barbara, the whites are just the drafting film left untouched. I find it very hard to get a good white on drafting film too.
You are super skillful yourself Sam!!!