Miniature Art - Resources for Artists

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Important!

THE SCOPE OF MINIATURE ART

All about how you define miniature art and how it has developed - including portrait miniatures, mughal miniatures and netsuke

What is Miniature Art?

Definitions of Miniature Art

Below you can find definitions of miniature art as defined by different art societies and practising artists

Royal Miniature Society - Submission criteria: Explains what miniature art is for the purposes of submitting it for exhibition by the Royal Miniature Society.

Works in any medium on any material may be submitted, provided
they are in keeping with miniature techniques and submission criteria. For example
- Heads or other objects which are the primary focus of the work must not be larger than 2"
- The maximum overall sizes for miniatures including picture, frame and mount if any, are: Rectangles and Ovals 4.5" x 6", Squares 4.5" x4.5" Rounds 4.5" diameter.
- Mounts must not be wider than 0.75" top and sides with 1" at the bottom or 0.75" all round.
- Frames should not be wider than 1" nor deeper than 0.75" and cannot be placed if they are very heavy.
- Sculpture should not exceed 8" across the longest measurement.

All work is subject to selection by the Selection Committee
Hilliard Society - What is a miniature?: Hilliard Society guidelines towards a definition of miniature painting and the criteria set by the Society:

* A high standard of draughtsmanship and composition.
* Mastery of miniature technique in chosen media and palette.
* No subject larger than life, portrait head no larger than 2" (5cm).
* Generally, paintings submitted should be no larger than 5" x 7" (12.5cm x 17.5cm), inclusive of framing. (35 sq inches, or 24 inches where dimensions are added together inclusive of framing). 3D work must be no larger than 6" (15cm) in any direction.
* Frames and mounts must be of high quality, clean and in keeping with the painting.
World Federation of Miniaturists: Definitions of a miniature: Definitions according to a number of societies in the UK, Israel, South Africa and Australia
Rebecca Latham: What is Miniature Painting?: Artist and Painter Rebecca Latham's Nature and Wildlife Art - What is Miniature Painting?

Rebecca comments on the origins of miniature art and the notion that miniature paintings are not confined to those which are small.
"World Federation of Miniaturists; The Differences Between Small Paintings and Miniature Art.: The Differences Between Small Paintings and Miniature Art.An adaptation of a talk given by Marilyn Peck to the Australian Society of Miniature Art (Q1d) Inc on 14/12/2002.
Miniature Art Information by Wes & Rachelle Siegrist: Information about Miniature Art and Miniature Paintings.
Miniature painting has been in existence for centuries tracing its heritage back to the illustrated manuscripts of scribes in the Far East and Europe. Miniature painting developed into a unique art form, independent of manuscripts, starting in the 15th century. The current resurgence in popularity in miniature art, spearheaded by formal societies, started in 1896 in England and expanded worldwide in the late 1900's.

* A Brief Historical Look at Miniature Painting
* What Qualifies as a Miniature Painting?
* Miniature Definition Essay by Wes (PDF 130kb - written 2007)
* Current Miniature Society Definitions of Miniature (new window/ website)
Limnings in Little - Miniatures as Fine Art: a blog post which describes the development of the portrait miniature

The History of Miniature Art

The word miniature is from the Latin for red pigment (minium) used in medieval manuscripts.
* Miniatures were originally known as "limnings"
* Miniature artists were originally called "limners".

Miniature (illuminated manuscript) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: The word miniature, derived from the Latin minium, red lead, is a picture in an ancient or medieval illuminated manuscript; the simple decoration of the early codices having been miniated or delineated with that pigment. The generally small scale of the medieval pictures has led secondly to an etymological confusion of the term with minuteness and to its application to small paintings especially portrait miniatures, which did however grow from the same tradition and at least initially use similar techniques.
The History of Miniature Art by Wes Siegrist: Miniature art history by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist along with hbooks, techniques, societies, museums and exhibitions.
A short history of western miniature art: The art of miniature painting is many hundreds of years old. The earliest examples in the Western world are to be found in the illuminated capital letters of ancient church manuscripts.
The Origin of the Portrait Miniature | V&A: examples of portrait miniatures
Portrait miniatures: royal portraiture - Victoria and Albert Museum: Miniatures were particularly useful to the monarchy. They were small enough to be given personally, sometimes in a public ceremony, as a sign of the monarch's favour.
Portrait miniatures: materials & techniques - Victoria and Albert Museum: The first portrait miniatures were painted by artists trained to illustrate hand-written books. They used similar materials and techniques, painting in watercolour on vellum, a fine animal skin.
Portrait miniatures: settings & uses - Victoria and Albert Museum: No gold or jewelled lockets from Henry VIII's day survive and very few from Elizabeth I's. We have descriptions of these expensive cases but most have probably been broken up and melted down. What have survived are tiny ivory boxes.
Miniaturists After the Restoration | V&A: bio details of miniaturists after the Restoration
Portrait miniatures: post-Restoration period - Victoria and Albert Museum: Samuel Cooper carried on his successful business in London even after the execution of Charles I in 1649. When Charles II returned from exile in France in 1660, Cooper immediately won commissions from the new court,
Portrait miniatures and the Royal Academy - Victoria and Albert Museum: In 1768 a group of London-based artists established the Royal Academy of Arts. At the Academy 's annual exhibitions miniaturists displayed their tiny works in a room crowded with large oil paintings.
Portrait miniatures: the 18th century - Victoria and Albert Museum: ARTISTS IN FOCUS A New Generation of Miniaturists In the early 18th century miniaturists had experimented with ways to make it easier to paint on ivory with watercolour. These included roughening the ivory, degreasing it and making the paint stickier.
Portrait miniatures: from John Hoskins to Samuel Cooper - Victoria and Albert Museum: We do not know who taught John Hoskins miniature painting. But, like Isaac Oliver's son Peter, he used real silver and gold to create jewels, a technique invented by Hilliard.
Portrait miniatures: artist biographies A-E - Victoria and Albert Museum: Biographies A-E of British portrait minature artists.
Portrait miniatures: artist biographies F-L - Victoria and Albert Museum: Biographies F-L of British portrait minature artists.
Portrait minatures: artist biographies M-Z - Victoria and Albert Museum: Biographies M-Z of British portrait minature artists.
Nicholas Hilliard & his Pupil Isaac Oliver | V&A: Nicholas Hilliard, 1547-1619
The reconstruction of the materials and techniques of Nicholas Hilliard's portrait miniatures - Victoria and Albert Museum: Hilliard is quite secretive about the painting of his 'artificial' rubies. Examination of the objects and reading of other treatises only partially reveal the technique.&#160

Indian Mughal Miniatures

Miniature painting has been particularly associated with specific cultures eg the Mughal and Persian empires

Mughal painting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Mughal painting is a particular style of Indian painting, generally confined to miniatures either as book illustrations or as single works to be kept in albums, which emerged from Persian miniature painting, with Indian Hindu and Buddhist influences, and developed during the period of the Mughal Empire (16th -19th centuries).
Holdings of National Museum of India,New Delhi(India): INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTINGS
The Museum has in its possession the rich heritage of Indian Miniature paintings. These belong to major styles such as, Mughal, Deccani, Central Indian, Rajasthani, Pahari and many other sub-styles relating to the period from 1000 A.D. to 1900 A.D. It also includes paintings on palm leaf, cloth, wood, leather, painted manuscripts, covers on wood and hardboard and Thankus on canvas, etc.

The major theme of these miniatures are Jain Kalpasutra, the epics such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagwatpurana, Durgasaptasati, Jaideva's Geetgobind, Ragamala, Baramasa, Panchatantra and Vishnu Purana. A few Indo-lslamic manuscripts such as Shahnama and Baburnama are also noteworthy. The portraits of medieval kings, rulers and saints are also part of this large heritage. The gallery displays selected 352 exhibits for public view
Art of indian miniatures paintings on indianminiature.org: Indianminiature.org an inter-desciplinary platform for all art scholars on Indian Miniature Paintings

Collection of Indian miniature paintings from Malwa, Bundelkhand, Raghogarh based on Geet Govinda, Ramayana, Radha Krishna leela and gayer anderson collection
Indian painting - Western Indian miniature painting | Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: In western India between the 10th to 12th century miniature painting developed. These small paintings were part of manuscripts written at the time and illustrate the subjects of the manuscripts. These miniatures are found in some Hindu and Jaina manuscripts and are of 2 to 4 inches in size.
Making Wasli Paper by Nisar Ahmed Mian: Mughal miniatures are painted on Wasli paper. Wasli paper is several sheets of paper glued together and rubbed until shiny and smooth. This is what you will need
SAN DIEGO MUSEUM of ART | The Binney Collection: South Asian Miniature Paintings: Enjoy the Museum's extensive holdings in South Asian paintings from the collection of Edwin Binney 3rd
British Museum - Mughal Miniatures: Use 'mughal miniatures' in the search facility
www.indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk - Indian miniature paintings and S. Asian decorative arts: An online sale exhibition with galleries featuring a selection of Indian miniature paintings from the 15th to early 20th century
Technique of Indian Miniature Paintings: Techniques of Indian Miniature Painting : An article on the usage of various techniques like sketching, tracing, coloring, highlighting and burnishing, and calligraphy, in Indian miniature paintings.

BOOKS: Mughal Miniatures

Persian Miniature Art

Persian miniature - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: A Persian miniature is a small painting on paper, whether a book illustration or a separate work of art intended to be kept in an album of such works called a muraqqa. The techniques are broadly comparable to the Western and Byzantine traditions of miniatures in illuminated manuscripts. Although there is an equally well-established Persian tradition of wall-painting, the survival rate and state of preservation of miniatures is better, and miniatures are much the best-known form of Persian painting in the West
Persian Miniature Paintings Visual Tour | The Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University: Many people still believe that there is no representational art in Islam. In fact, there is a rich tradition of representational art, although it is usually seen in secular, rather than religious, contexts. An outstanding example of artwork from the Muslim world is the genre of miniature paintings. Miniature painting was particularly highly developed among the Ottomans, the Safavids, and the Mughals, three empires ruling in the Near and Middle East, greater Iran and South Asia, respectively.
Persian Miniature Paintings, History of Persian Miniature art, Iranian Miniature Artists: Persian art has its own distinct features. For instance, Iran's miniature artists are recognizable for their emphasis on natural and realist motifs
Persian Miniature Painting: Persian Miniature Painting celebrates the beautiful miniature manuscript paintings of 15th and 16th century Persia.
Persian Miniature Paintings, a collection by Alan Reed - Welcome: Gallery of antique Persian and Mughal miniature paintings. A buyer and seller or original antique Persian and Mughal miniature art.
Persian Miniature Painting - Princes School of Traditional Arts: Beginning with a brief overview of the different schools and styles of miniature painting and manuscriptillustration, and focusing mainly on the Persian tradition, the course explores the themes, colour symbolism,...

BOOKS: Persian Miniature Painting

Ottoman or Turkish Miniature Painting

Ottoman miniature - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Ottoman Miniature or Turkish miniature was an art form in the Ottoman Empire, which can be linked to the Persian miniature tradition,[1] as well as strong Chinese artistic influences. It was a part of the Ottoman Book Arts together with illumination (tezhip), calligraphy (hat), marbling paper (ebru) and bookbinding (cilt). The words taswir or nakish were used to define this art in Ottoman language.
Category:Ottoman miniatures - Wikimedia Commons: Images of Ottoman Miniatures
Category:Turkish Illuminated manuscripts in the Topkapi Palace Museum - Wikimedia Commons: Turkish Illuminated manuscripts in the Topkapi Palace Museum

Book: Ottoman Miniature Painting

BOOKS: Portrait Miniatures in the UK

When the general public think about miniature art, most of them think of miniature portraits which have a very long tradition.

BOOKS: Portrait Miniatures in the USA

Portrait miniatures tell a tale about both cultural history and biography. They show evolving tastes in jewelry, fashion, hairstyles, and the decorative arts.

Netsuke

miniature sculpture originating in Japan

What is Netsuke?

According to the International Netsuke Society - A netsuke is a form of miniature sculpture which developed in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years.

Netsuke served both functional and aesthetic purposes. The kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets. Women would tuck small personal items into their sleeves, but men suspended their tobacco pouches, pipes, purses, or writing implements on a silk cord from their obi (kimono sash). These hanging objects are called sagemono. To stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle was attached. The toggle is called a netsuke. (The most popular pronunciation is "net-ski", while the actual Japanese is closer to "netskeh"). A sliding bead (ojime) was strung on the cord between the netsuke and the sagemono to tighten or loosen the opening of the sagemono.

The entire ensemble was then worn, at the waist, and functioned as a sort of removable hip pocket.

All three objects (the netsuke, the ojime and the different types of sagemono) were often beautifully decorated with elaborate carving, lacquer work, or inlays of rare and exotic materials, including: wood, ivory, precious metals, shell, coral, and semi-precious stones.

All three items developed into highly coveted and collectible art forms.

Netsuke - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Netsuke (Japanese) are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th century Japan to serve a practical function
The International Netsuke Society: Devoted to the Study and Appreciation of Netsuke

The International Netsuke Society founded in
1975(formerly known as the Netsuke Kenkyukai Society) is devoted to the study and collection
of netsuke and related sagemono art forms.
FAQ: FAQ - What is a netsuke?

A netsuke is a form of miniature sculpture which developed in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years.

Netsuke served both functional and aesthetic purposes. The kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets.
Netsuke Terminology: Netsuke Terminology / Glossary by the International Netsuke Society
Netsuke Dealers: Netsuke Dealers highlighted by the International Netsuke Society
INS: Contemporary Netsuke Artists: Contemporary Netsuke Artists highlighted by the International Netsuke Society
British Museum - Netsuke: Netsuke in the British Museum
Japanese Netsuke: A overview of Netsuke
Bolton Museums - Collections: Pictures of Netsuke in the collection of Bolton Museums.
Netsuke sculpture by Pamela Stewart Pearson: N E T S U K E S C U L P T U R E : Welcome to Pamela Stewart Pearson's internet gallery.
Netsuke: unique Japanese miniature sculpture | Arts & Activities | Find Articles at BNET: Netsuke: unique Japanese miniature sculpture from Arts & Activities in Arts provided free by Find Articles.
Collecting Netsuke: Japanese Netsuke - includes an illustration of how the netsuke was worn
Netsuke: Netsuke information and message board

BOOKS: Netsuke

books on Amazon

Important!

MINIATURE ART COLLECTIONS

Information for collectors about miniature art - both past and present - in formal collections in museums and private collections
It also highlights issues about fakes and reproductions which are passed off as genuine miniature art

Art Galleries and Museums - The History of Miniature Art

Royal Collection - Miniatures: Works include paintings by Holbein and Hilliard
National Portrait Gallery, London: 256 Portraits matching the criteria:'Miniatures'
British Portrait Miniatures - Victoria and Albert Museum: British Portrait Miniatures at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London
The Wallace Collection - The Collection - Pictures & Miniatures: Miniatures are listed under 'Pictures and miniatures'
Development of the portrait miniatures gallery, 2005 - Victoria and Albert Museum: In March 2005, the V&A opened a new portrait miniatures gallery , generously funded by the International Music and Art Foundation. The V&A has the national collection of British portrait miniatures.
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge - Miniaturists: Items within the collection of paintings and drawings listed as 'Miniatures'
Museum of Fine Art Boston: List of miniatures in the Museum of Fine Art
Chester Beatty Library: Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.

Includes miniatures from Persia and Turkey

Chester Beatty Library was named Irish Museum of the year in 2000 and was awarded the title European Museum of the Year in 2002.
Imperial Mughal Albums from the Chester Beatty Library: The Chester Beatty Library holds one of the finest collections of Mughal paintings in existence, and this travelling exhibition includes many of the best of those works. The exhibition will travel to five major US museums between 3 May 2008 and 27 September 2009. The exhibition focuses on a group of six albums (muraqqa's) compiled in India between about 1600 and 1658 for the Mughal emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan

A Guide for Miniature Art Collectors

Miniatures: Dictionary and Guide (Dictionary & Guide)

by: Daphne Foskett

Amazon Price: $175.00 (as of 02/14/2012)
Used Price: $175.00

This volume combines the author's two previous books "Collecting Miniatures" and "A Dictionary of British Miniature Painters".

She aims to answer difficult questions arising for the collector, including such topics as dating by costume, artistic idiosyncrasies, and the delicate matter of forgery.

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Miniature Art Collections

These are links to sites which discuss private miniature art collections past and present

A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: The Famous Pierpont Morgan Miniature Collection: Morgan was a collector of books, clocks, gems, paintings and other art objects. His collection of portrait miniatures was probably the greatest private collection that has ever existed.
A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: 15th and 16th Century Miniatures: Arthuri Phillips Collection - 15th and 16th Century Miniatures
A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: 17th Century Miniatures: Arthuri Phillips Collection - 17th Century Miniatures
A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: 19th Century Miniatures 1851-1900: Arthuri Phillips Collection - 19th Century Miniatures 1851-1900
A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: 20th Century Miniatures 1901-1930: Arthuri Phillips Collection - 20th Century Miniatures 1901-1930
A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: 20th Century Miniatures 1931-present: Arthuri Phillips Collection - 20th Century Miniatures 1931-present
The New York Historical Society Shows Portraits of (Debatably Artistic) Gilded Age Hotties | In the Air: Art+Auction's Gossip Column | ARTINFO.com: While the Met dismissed the series as a botched vanity project, The New York Historical Society curator Margi Hofe contends the portraits have stood the test of time.

Blogs about Miniature Art

These are blogs by people who love miniature art - who are frequently collectors in their own right. They also write about other miniature art collections

A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: A blog about the miniatures in private art collections and issues arising for miniature art collectors.
It features miniatures from the The Arturi Phillips Collection
Artists and Ancestors - Miniature Portrait Art Collection: An Internet Art Exhibition displaying portrait miniatures from the 17C to the 20C.
Limnings in Little: A blog about fine portrait miniatures by Christine Archibald
Colección miniaturas Martínez Lanzas-de las Heras: COLLECTION OF MINIATURE PORTRAITS.
SAMMLUNG VON MINIATUR-PORTRÄTS.
RACCOLTA DI RITRATTI IN MINIATURA.
COLLECTION PORTRAITS MINIATURES. BIBLIOTEKA MINIATURY PORTRETOWE.
SAMLING AV SMA PORTRÄTT.

Miniature Art - the issue of fakes

The miniature art collector needs to be aware of the problems of fakes and reproductions which are passed off as original miniature art. Many turn up on art auction sites (eg eBay)

2009/2010 - Additions and Comment: May - Fakes and items of interest: Fakes, misleading descriptions, and etc.
I must again advise buyers on eBay to be cautious with their money.
2009/2010 - Additions and Comment: March - A New Book, and Some Modern Fakes: In recent months I have become increasingly concerned about reproduction miniatures being offered on Ebay by sellers in Britain at opening prices of around £10-£25.
The Photo-Miniature and Modern Paint-Overs By Wes Siegrist: The Photo-Miniature and Modern Paint-Overs By Wes Siegrist
There has been a disturbing trend over the past year that has been brought to my attention: reports of awardwinning paintings being painted over prints.

Important!

MINIATURE ART SOCIETIES & EXHIBITIONS

Find out about Miniature Art Societies and where you can see exhibitions of miniature art

Miniature Art Societies

Below you can find links to miniature art societies all over the world. If you know of a society which is not included please leave a comment including the link

Royal Society of Miniature Painters Sculptors and Gravers: Royal Society of Miniature Painters,Sculptors & Gravers - details about the society, exhibition, membership and artists.

The Society's aims are to esteem, protect and practise the traditional art of miniature painting with the infinite patience needed for its fine techniques. Associate membership is open, on acceptance of five works, subject to election by the Selection Committee; Membership after three years, on acceptance of six works in the last year and subject to election.
Royal Miniature Society - Glossary: A detailed glossary explaining all the acroyms in use in the world of moniature art
Hilliard Society of Miniaturists: Art in miniature: contemporary miniature art; pictures, shows, artists.

The declared aim of the society is to encourage greater recognition of this art form with an appreciation of its history and of its contemporary development and to bring it to the wider attention of all artists and to the public.
The Miniature Artists of America: A website giving information on The Miniature Artists of America.
"World Federation of Miniaturists": The World Federation of Miniaturists (WFM) was established with the purpose of
encouraging communication between miniature art societies, and of introducing the public to this exquisite art form.
Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society (MPSGS) of Washington, DC.: The object of The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C. (MPSGS) is to encourage and stimulate interest among artists and the public in the beautiful forms of miniature art. We sponsor an annual international exhibition; coordinate educational tours, demonstrations, and workshops; and award scholarships to local art students.
The Miniature Art Society of Florida: The Miniature Art Society of Florida encourages artists to become involved in the exciting world of miniaturism. It seeks to broaden the awareness of the public and collectors to the delicate beauty and refinement of this venerable art form. Its scholarship efforts assist talented young artists of t
Association of Miniature Artists: The ultimate goal of the AMA is to develop an international standard for miniature art today. It was conceived and founded by members of the Yahoo Miniature Art Forum in July 2007.
Miniature Art Society of South Africa: The Miniature Art Society of South Africa was founded in 1992 to promote the age old
artform of miniaturism in all types of art in this part of the world.
Australian Society of Miniature Art (NSW): Home Page for the Australian Society of Miniature Art (NSW) or ASMA (NSW)
Australian Society of Miniature Art: membership, exhibitions and gallery
Miniature Art Societies of the Revival Period: Miniature Art Societies of the Revival Period
This site organises Miniature Art Societies by decade and indicates whether they still exist
Society of Limners: The Society of Limners was founded in 1986 by the late Elizabeth Davys Wood MBE, to promote and encourage the painting of miniatures and engraving to a high standard.
Alabama Miniature Art Society - Yahoo Group: Welcome to Alabama Miniature Art Society information! This site is for sharing information on miniature art, techniques, upcoming miniature shows, meetings and competitions throughout the United States! Anyone interested in miniatures is invited to visit, share information and learn more about this venerable art. Sponsored by the Alabama Miniature Art Society.
Miniature Art Societies of the Revival Period to Today: Historical information on miniature art societies, definitions and exhibitions.

Exhibitions of Miniature Art UK & Europe

Royal Miniature Society - Annual Exhibition: Exhibition details for the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers
Royal Miniature Society - Awards: The Society shows about 700 works at its Annual Exhibition. From which, only one is selected and awarded the prestigious Royal Miniature Society, Gold Memorial Bowl.
Royal Miniature Society - Submissions: Selection: Works in any medium on any material may be submitted, provided they are in keeping with miniature techniques and requirements as set out this site. All work is subject to selection by the Selection Committee
LLEWELLYN ALEXANDER - A Million Brushtrokes, Modern Miracles in Miniature Painting: LLEWELLYN ALEXANDER (Fine Paintings) LTD -
London based Art Gallery for Miniatures in Europe. Over 300 affordable miniatures in stock. Annual Exhibition of 800 miniatures by 100 living artists
The Rijksmuseum - an exhibition of Indian miniatures (hosted by the Van Gogh Museum): The Rijksmuseum is to show highlights from its collection of Indian miniatures in the Van Gogh Museum. The presentation runs from 17 October 2008 through 4 January 2009
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston / Exhibitions / Love Tokens: Portrait Miniatures from the Caroline A. Ross Collection: In a very generous bequest by her heirs in 2005, the portrait miniature collection of Miss Caroline A. Ross was given to Rienzi, the European decorative arts wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The 246 piece collection contains beautiful examples of the art as executed by European and American miniaturists from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Parklane Gallery Miniature Show: Parklane Gallery is an artist-owned fine art gallery in Kirkland featuring fine art photography, watercolor painting, oil painting, sculpture and a variety of other fine art styles. Parklane Gallery has hosted an annual miniature show every year for the past 16, and the event has grown from year to year. This has truly become an international art event.
Miniature Art: Art shows: Listings of forthcoming exhibitions of miniature art worldwide, presented by the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists
Miniature Art: Art shows in the UK: Listings of forthcoming exhibitions of miniature art worldwide, presented by the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists

Exhibitions of Miniature Art - USA

Annual Exhibition of The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C. (MPSGS): Annual Exhibition of the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, DC.
Every fall, we hold an International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature. Our prospectus is available on-line (usually by the end of May), or can be requested by mail.
Miniature Art: Art shows in the USA: Listings of forthcoming exhibitions of miniature artin the USA - presented by the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists
Ice House Gallery, Washington VA - 2nd ANNUAL LITTLE WASHINGTON MINIATURES PAINTING EXHIBITION 2010: 2ND ANNUAL LITTLE WASHINGTON MINIATURES PAINTING EXHIBITION
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS YEAR'S PROSPECTUS
ABOUT OUR SHOWThe 2nd Annual Little Washington Miniatures Painting Exhibition will take place from October 1 - October 25, 2010. It is open to all residents of North America 18 years old or older
the Renaissance Art Gallery, Huntington WV - 10th Annual National Miniature Exhibition: The Renaissance Art Gallery is a non-profit artists co-op gallery located in Huntington West Virginia. It is open to the public and displays original art created by some of the finest artists in the Tri-state region.
10th Annual National Miniature Exhibition - Competition open to all North American artists aged 18 and older.
27th ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN MINIATURE ART EXHIBITION: GALLERY OF FELLS POINT, INC. 2010 National Miniature Art Exhibition
Sept 30th - Oct 30, 2010
Parklane Gallery Miniature Show - 18th Annual Miniature Show: Parklane Gallery's 18th Annual Miniature Show
May 4 through June 6, 2010
Parklane Gallery is an artist-owned fine art gallery in Kirkland featuring fine art photography, watercolor painting, oil painting, sculpture and a variety of other fine art styles. Parklane Gallery has hosted an annual miniature show every year for the past 16, and the event has grown from year to year. This has truly become an international art event.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston / Exhibitions / Love Tokens: Portrait Miniatures from the Caroline A. Ross Collection: In a very generous bequest by her heirs in 2005, the portrait miniature collection of Miss Caroline A. Ross was given to Rienzi, the European decorative arts wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The 246 piece collection contains beautiful examples of the art as executed by European and American miniaturists from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Making A Mark - blogging about miniature art

This section covers reviews of the Annual Exhibition of the The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers which is held every year in the North Gallery of the Mall Galleries.

MAKING A MARK: REVIEW: Miniature Art Society Annual Exhibition 2011: Today I attended the Annual Exhibition of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers in the North Gallery of the Mall Galleries. This year it incorporates a Special Loan Exhibition of Royal Portrait Miniatures from Queen Elizabeth 1 (1533 - 1603) to Queen Elizabeth II (1926-present).
MAKING A MARK: How to paint miniature portraits: This post is about the art materials, equipment and set-up used by an experienced miniature artist.
Making a Mark: REVIEW: Miniature Art Society - Annual Exhibition: Last Friday I went to see the 2010 Annual Exhibition of the The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers. This continues to be a very popular exhibition with lots of evidence of both visitors and sales - particularly for those with an established reputation and following.
Making a Mark: The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers - Annual Exhibition 2008: The news from the world of Miniature Art is that:

* the standard of work being exhibited this year at the Annual Exhibition of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters,Sculptors & Gravers is extremely high.
* artists who've not exhibited with the Royal Miniature Society before are winning prizes
* most of the new prize-winning artists are young
* miniature art continues to be extremely popular and the Private View was full to overflowing and
* sales are absolutely phenomenal.
Making a Mark: The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers - Annual Exhibition: Visit to the 2007 Annual Exhibition of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers
Making a Mark: Annual exhibition of the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society in Washington, DC: 2007 Annual Exhibition of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society in Washington DC (November-December 2007)

Important!

CONTEMPORARY MINIATURE ARTISTS

Organised by the type of subject matter they usually paint

Contemporary Miniature Artists - Portraits

Examples of contemporary artists who produce miniature art who have been admitted to membership of national art societies

Elizabeth Meek: One of today's greatest miniaturists and portrait painters, Elizabeth Meek is the current President of the Royal Miniature Society and a past President of the Society of Women Artists.
Portraits and Miniatures by Bill Mundy: Bill Mundy is one of the world's leading miniature portrait painters. His sitters have ranged
from royalty and small children to famous personalities
Miniature Art: Joyce Rowsell, painter in oil on canvas, linen and silk: Joyce Rowsell paints miniatures in oil on silk which allows the build-up of precise images and fine detail.
Miniature Masterpeices - the work of Jenny Brooks: Jenny Brooks is a professional fine artist specialising in the traditional form of miniature portrait painting. Jenny also specialises in the minor restoration of miniature paintings, and will be pleased to advise upon individual projects.

Contemporary Miniature Artists - Nature and Wildlife Art

Latham Studios Wildlife Artists - Rebecca Latham - Past Exhibitions and Awards: Wildlife art and nature paintings by Rebecca Latham - exhibitions and awards

You can see Rebecca's work on her blog
Miniature Paintings by Wes & Rachelle Siegrist: Miniature paintings of wildlife and landscapes by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist along with historical information on miniature art, societies, museums and exhibitions.
Miniature art paintings by watercolour artist Tracy Hall: Miniature art paintings by award-winning watercolour artist Tracy Hall.

VIDEO: Miniature Paintings by Tracy Hall

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Contemporary Miniature Artists - General

Jane B Gibson, Kirkcudbright Artist - Cornerways Art Studio, Kirkcudbright: Highly regarded professional artist specialising in fine art miniatures, portraits, and landscape views. Commissions undertaken
DIANNE L BRANSCOMBE, RMS ARTIST: I have exhibited with the Royal Miniature Society every year since 1986, having full membership since 1996, winning many awards for my miniatures.

Contemporary Miniature Sculpture Artists

Patricia Northcroft - Home Page: Patricia Northcroft - Sculptures in Bronze

Blogs by Miniature Artists

These are blogs by people who produce miniature art. Not all the blog posts will necessarily be about miniature art. Look for label or tag to all posts about miniature art.

Watercolour Artist Diary: Tracy Hall's watercolour diary - in which she posts her animal and wildlife art.
Tracy won the RMS Gold Memorial Bowl in 2007.
Bill's Blog: Blog by Bill Mundy, one of the leading miniature portrait artists. He's a member of a member of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, The Miniature Artists of America, The Hilliard Society, The Miniature Art Society of Florida and the Society of Limners.
Artist & Painter Rebecca Latham’s Nature & Wildlife Art: Rebecca Latham's Blog and Studio Journal. This area features new projects the artist is working on as well as the inspirations that sparked them.

Other websites for miniature artists

www.miniatureartshows.com - Miniature Art Show Info: Miniature Art Show Info
Francis Iles Gallery - Alison Griffin: ALISON GRIFFIN RMS
Alison Griffin has been a Gallery artist since 1978. She paints in Acrylic and watercolour and is now widely known for her exquisite miniatures.
A Private Portrait Miniature Collection: The Arturi Philipps love collecting, researching and learning about portrait miniatures.

Important!

HOW TO PAINT A MINIATURE

Miniatures have a tradition in which amateurs and professionals have operated in parallel and women artists have flourished as professionals.

Links to books, tip and techniques about how to paint a miniature

VIDEO: Flower painting in miniature - Roses in watercolour

BY Tracy Hall

This is a rose painting in miniature by Tracy Hall, measuring 2.25" x 1.75", watercolour on rag board.
Miniature painting is fine art worked in great detail on a very small scale.

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VIDEO: 'Ural Owl' by Tracy Hall

Finely detailed watercolour painting showing the stages from the initial sketch to the completed piece. The painting measures 6.5" x 4.5" and is worked on Arches HP paper.

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Miniature Art - tips and techniques

articles and videos by accomplished miniature artists

How do you create and paint miniature art? Watch these videos and read the articles below to find out more

Rebecca Latham - The Hand Held Miniature - 6 Secrets: In describing a traditional hand held miniature painting, there are some key factors that set it apart from small paintings and other types of painting.
Rebecca Latham - 7 Tips for Artists - How to Paint Miniature Art: Miniature painting as a style of painting is a very distinct art that is often compared to gems. As one of the most acclaimed early miniature artists of , Nicholas Hilliard, stated (c. 1600) "A thing apart from all other painting or drawing".

A few tips for artists wanting to create their own jewel-like works in miniature:
Miniature Painting Techniques - by Joan Cornish Willies: The delicate luminous and traditional look of a miniature is due to the base upon which it is painted. The best bases are ivory, Kelmscott vellum, and ivorine, all of which will take oil, alkyd oil, and transparent acrylic colors.
Rebecca Latham - Texture Dilemma - Surfaces In Miniature Painting: Sometimes there is some confusion with surface texture on miniature paintings. Some information that can be seen in earlier miniature art may help illustrate the variety that is present.
Vellum as a Base for Miniatures - Article by Joan Cornish Willies: Any acid free smooth base can be used for the technique of the miniature, even a linen canvas, if it is well primed to a good smooth surface. In this section today we will discuss vellum.
Limnings in Little - Recipe for Gum Water, 1830: Recipe for Gum Water, 1830 In 1830 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the miniature painter George Marshall Mather published a book entitled: The E
MAKING A MARK: How to paint miniature portraits: This post is about the art materials, equipment and set-up used by an experienced miniature artist.

BOOKS: Miniature Art Instruction

books available from amazon

It's very difficult to find a good quality art instruction book about how to paint a miniature in your local art bookshop. Fortunately there are a number of books available online

Forums for artists and miniature art

These are places where those interested in miniature art can talk to others with the same interest. These are also frequented by miniature artists

Yahoo Group - Miniature Art: This group has been formed for artists interested in the field of miniature painting. Membership is open to artists of all levels and experience. Join our discussions, critiques and behind-the-scenes insights about shows and miniature art societies.

For the purpose of shared understanding the majority of this group's members have adopted the guiding statements of the Association of Miniature Artists (AMA): http://www.artofwildlife.com/ama.html
Miniature Art - WetCanvas!: Explore a tiny world here with us in the Miniature Art forum! Miniature paintings and drawings must be 24 square inches or less. Sculptures must be smaller than 6" in any direction. Digital art, photographs, and jewelry are not included at this time.

Articles about Miniature Art

Re-introducing miniature art in India, March 2008: Re-introducing miniature art in India, March 2008

Important!

ART MATERIALS FOR MINIATURE ARTISTS

Miniature artists have to shop for a range of supplies not normally used by most artists.

Art Supports for miniature artists

Miniature artists paint on a variety of different supports.

Some of the specialist supports used by miniature artists include:
* Ivorine
* Ivorex
* Lumitex
* Mammoth Ivory - over 10,000 years old, reclaimed from Russian permafrost
* Polymin - Used as a modern equivalent for ivory which is of archival standard. It is a plastic sheet which is dimensionally stable, chemically resistant and translucent and coloured to match antique ivory.
* Vellum

Polymers Plus: Bases and support, frames, accessories for artists producing Miniature Art. Plus books about Miniature Art
Polymers Plus - Bases general: This introduces our extensive range of Bases for miniature painting including Mammoth Ivory, Ivorine, Polymin Original, Polymin White, SmoothCard, Vellum, Antique Ivory Piano Keys, Bristol Board and Porcelain
What is ivorine?: Ivorine is a plastic sheet, 0.5mm thick, translucent white in colour with a matt finish on both surfaces. It is normally supplied in sheets 7-3/4 x 5-1/4 inches under this name.
What is Polymin?: Polymin is made from a high specification engineering plastic; technically it is infinitely superior to Ivorine.
Magnifying Glasses by We Love Wood: Magnifying Glasses , Handcrafted Magnifying Glasses from exotic and domestic woods
MiniArt Supply: 8220 Brucar Ct., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Supplies for artists of miniature paintings and other fine detail work.
Hilkinson and Optivisor Headband Magnifiers: Hilkinson and Optivisor Headband Magnifiers and COIL Spectacle Binoculars available by mail order from Claritas Online
Kraftmark.biz: About Procreate: What is ProCreate?
ProCreate is a new generation of epoxy putty formulated specifically for the professional artist to create original miniature sculpture. ProCreate has a fine, non-grainy consistency that makes it easy to mix, sculpt, smooth and allows for extremely fine detail.
L. Cornelissen & Son - supports: Miniature Frames
Parchment and Velum
Ivory & Ivorine

Vellum

Vellum is smooth and durable and is traditionally made from the hairless skin of very young calves or a calf foetus.

The word vellum is derived from the Latin vitulus (calf), and its diminutive vitellus. In the past it was made as the base for the pages of books and works of illumination. It was the common base for miniatures until around 1700 when ivory took over.

The finest vellum is made from the skin of unborn calves and is known in the UK as Kelmscott (the home of William Morris who was a strong proponent of the Arts and Crafts movement).

Modern-day vellum is vegetable vellum

Confusingly, vellum is also used as a word to describe a surface of paper - but 'vellum' paper is not a surface used by miniature artists

Below you can find:
* explanations about the nature of vellum and what it is like to paint on
* suppliers of fine quality Vellum in the UK and USA
* instructions for how to mount vellum on board

Vellum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Vellum (from the Old French Vélin, for "calfskin")[1] is mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on, to produce single pages, scrolls, codices or books. It is generally smooth and durable, although there are great variations depending on preparation, the quality of the skin and the type of animal used.
Vellum as a Base for Miniatures - Article by Joan Cornish Willies: Any acid free smooth base can be used for the technique of the miniature, even a linen canvas, if it is well primed to a good smooth surface. In this section today we will discuss vellum.
Botanical Watercolors on Vellum | American Artist | Professional Journal archives from AllBusiness.com: Calfskin vellum is a challenging surface on which to pain¿ watercolor, yet Arkansas artist Kate Nessler finds its exceptionally rich and stable surface ideal for her accurate depictions of plant material.
MiniArt Supply-Surfaces: Supplies for artists of miniature paintings and other fine detail work. This page has comprehensive and complete specifications for all the different types of surfaces
Talas - Cowley's Calfskin Vellum: These are the finest calfskin available, manufactured by the same method for the last 200 years.

Cowley Calfskins are available in 7 varieties:
* Classic, Manuscript, Honey & Veiny are finished in a very similar manner, the main difference between them is in regards to their surface tonal value or characteristics.
* Slunk, Translucent & Kelmscott are all very different in characteristic
Talas - Parchment and Vellum Sample Book: 13 samples which include Vellum from Israel, Sheepskin from SA, Kidskin, White, Cream and Natural Goatskin from SA, Goatskin from France and Nepal, Alum Tawed Skin from SA, and Goldbeaters' skins, Transparent and Alum Tawed, 1 ply and 2 ply.
William Cowley: Manufacturer and supplier of quality parchment and vellum. Established in England in 1870, William Cowley is one of the world's leading manufacturers. A wide range of quality vellums and parchments are produced by skilled craftsman, using traditional methods, for a variety of different purposes
Kelmscott - Parchment and Vellum - Canvas and Supports: Kelmscott Vellum - the finest and most expensive vellum
Calf Vellum - Parchment and Vellum - Canvas and Supports: Calf Vellum
Goatskin Vellum - Parchment and Vellum - Canvas and Supports: Goatskin Vellum
Slunk - Parchment and Vellum - Canvas and Supports: Slunk (Slunks are calves which have not yet reached the age of six weeks)
Polymers Plus - Bases - Vellum: The finest quality Kelmscott Vellum. Standard sheet size 7" x 5". Plus other types of vellum
Talas - How to mount vellum: instructions and graphics for how to mount vellum on board

Ivory

Ivory from elephants was used to make artwork for a very long time before conservation concerns banned its use. In 1977 the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species was successful in banning the slaughter of Elephants for their tusks. Since that time all ivory on the market has to be certified as having been legally obtained (ie not via elephant poachers) prior to 1946. Now the only ivory which can be used is that which is recycled or generated from sources other than living elephants.

Ivory has been used as a base for painting miniatures since the early 1700s. Saw marks were removed by scraping and abrasive materials were used to give a thin sliver of ivory a tooth necessary for it to accept paint. The ivory was also degreased using a mixture of garlic and vinegar

Nowadays there are only two real sources of ivory suitable for creating miniature artwork
* old piano keys
* Mammoth Ivory

The wooly mammoths - which are similar to elephants and also had tusks - died out in Europe at the end of the last Ice Age. Most of the current sources come from Siberia where they have been deep frozen in ice. They emerge in areas where the perma frost soften and their bodies become visible. Every summer about 1 to 2 tons of mammoth ivory are recovered from ancient tusks. The tusks which are are recovered are used for scientific investigations and also made available for some limited commercial use.

Mammoth ivory is made available in a range of shapes - but the options are quite restricted. The tusks are typically cut into thin sheets and small sizes - typically rectangular or oval. Ivory needs to be protected from extremes of temperature and humidity and sources of potential damage. If ivory dries out it is apt to chip and splinter. Framing a miniature protects it from possible damage.

Painting should be done on the side which is NOT marked with a pencil cross. Watercolour paints are the best paints to use as they favour the translucence of the ivory.

Ivory Identification Guide - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory: NATURAL IVORY - how to identify it
* Elephant and Mammoth
* Walrus
* Sperm Whale and Killer Whale
* Narwhal
* Hippopotamus
* Wart Hog
Elephant and mammoth ivory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Elephant and mammoth ivory
Mammoths are believed to have been extinct for 10,000 years. Because of the geographical range in Alaska and Siberia, Mammuthus primigenius tusks have been well preserved.
Polymers Plus - Mammoth Ivory: an article about Mammoth Ivory, the historical use of Ivory and painting on ivory
Russia digs up woolly mammoth remains for guilt-free ivory - Telegraph: Russia is mining the remains of its long extinct woolly mammoths to meet a growing demand for ethical ivory.
Artist & Painter Rebecca Latham's Nature & Wildlife Art | mammoth-ivory: For a little more information on miniature painting on Ivory%u2026

Ivorine

Ivorine was probably first used for miniature art in the early twentieth century

When using ivorine for miniature art, the following information is useful:
* the surface is naturally translucent but can be coloured and is normally supplied in an off-white colour
* the size of sheets are normally slightly bigger than 7" x 5"
* it's made from cellulose nitrate which is flammable
* the addition of camphor makes the support more pliable
* if manufactured using steel sheets which have become worn, the surface can feel slippery rather than matt
* the paint sits on the surface
* paints used with ivorine include waterolour, gouache, acrylic or oils.

When painting on ivorine, the following techniques are advisable
* degrease the surface before you start painting to remove any residues from the manufacturing process which may interfere with the application of paint. Rub the surface carefully with talc impregnated cotton wool to remove the residenue. Do not rub the surface vigorously as this could create an electrostatic charge on a flammable material
* Ivorine mist be stored carefully otherwise it will buckle. Over time the camphor evaporates and the sheet contracts and buckles. It's advisable to limit its exposure to air.
* Use a dry brush and hatching or stippling strokes
* paint can be removed from the surface

The company which originally made Ivorine was called Xylonite which ceased trading in 1994. Current stocks of Ivorine come from Italy.

The above has been summarised from the very useful articles produced by http://www.miniartsupply.biz/ and http://www.polymersplus.co.uk/technical/ivorine.php and listed below

Below you can also find links to suppliers of Ivorine. Ivorine is about half the cost of vellum.

Miniartsupply - Ivorine Information: Ivorine, to a miniaturist, is a plastic sheet, 0.5mm thick, translucent white in colour with a matt finish on both surfaces. It is normally supplied in sheets 7-3/4 x 5-1/4 inches under this name.
Polymers Plus - Ivorine: The most important thing to remember is that the paint that you apply is resting on the slightly roughened surface of the Ivorine and that it is just as easy to remove it as it is to apply it.
Ivorine Information: A repeat of the information supplied by Miniartsupply (see above) and included here in case the original goes missing!
MiniArt Supply-Surfaces: Ivorine
S1, 5-3/4 x 7-7/8" - $8.50
S1-810, 8 x 10" - $22
S1-1012, 10 x 12" - $25
S1-1620, 16 x 20" - $65
Polymers Plus - Bases: we are able to offer this material in sheets approximately 5¾" x 7¾" at £4.95 sheet

Polymin

Polymin is a Synthetic ivory painting surface for oils, watercolors, and acrylicsan. It's a big technical improvement improvement on Ivorine and is also more robust.

It is made from a high specification engineering plastic. It is:
* dimensionally stable - it won't warp or buckle like Ivorine; storage is not a problem
* it is chemically resistant - it can be used with all types of paint
* it appears to be UV resistant and hence will not discolour
* it's flammability is akin to paper - although it will produce more smoke

What is Polymin?: Polymin is made from a high specification engineering plastic; technically it is infinitely superior to Ivorine.
Polymers Plus - Bases: Polymin Original - The modern base for Miniatures - dimensionally stable, chemically resistant , translucent, surface treated plastic sheet. The base material has been used for archival applications for 40 years without degradation. It has been colour matched to antique ivory. Sheet size approximately 8" x 6". Thickness 0.006"
MiniArt Supply-Surfaces: Polymin
S2 & S3, 6 x 8" - $9
S2 or S3-812, 8 x 12" - $19
S2 or S3-1216, 12 x 16" - $38

Brushes for Miniature Artists

Brushes used by miniature artists using watercolour are designed differently to other watercolour brushes - because the way paintings are created is different.

The nature of the supports used for most miniature paintings are not absorbent. Consequently colour is built up using a combination of hatching and stippling. Layers and layers of tiny dots and strokes combine to create the painting. A very dry brush technique is also used so as to enhance the accuracy of application of the paint. For that reason the brushes used by miniature artists need to have an excellent point with a long life. they must also be capable of holding the right combination of water and paint medium. The whole process takes a long time and can only be undertaken by those with a painstaking attention to detail.

Not surprisingly, the primary aim of the miniature art brush is NOT to hold pigment and water while a large surface is covered!

Instead they need to hold a very fine but firm point that does not waver when paint is applied while at the same time holding the paint required for making very small brush strokes. It's also essential that the brush is in good condition with no frayed hairs.

Winsor & Newton - Kolinsky Sable - SERIES 7 MINIATURES - Short handle: SERIES 7 MINIATURES - Short handle are used by top Miniature Artists
Ken Bromley Art Supplies - Pro Arte Series MP Miniature Painting Brushes: Synthetic filament provides a really responsive tip for achieving the finest detail. Incorporating a triangular grip handle to give holding precision.
Pro Arte Miniature Painting Brushes | Artist Materials Online: Series 107 Prolene Miniature
Formulated with the model maker and miniaturist very definitely in mind. Most of the belly has been incorporated into the ferrules. Very little of the brush is in evidence but the tip is very sharp giving great spring and precision in use. Seamless nickel ferrules.
Rosemary & Co - Artists Brushes By Mail Order: Rosemary & Co Finest Artist brushes by mail order - Watercolor Brushes, Kolinsky Sable, Kolinsky Sable Brushes, Red Sable,

Winsor Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Miniature Brushes

Miniature Round, Size 2/0, 1/16

These miniature brushes are crafted to the same superior standards as Series 7. They are ideal for even the most delicate work. Brushes have seamless nickel-plated ferrules and black polished handles.

Winsor Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Miniature Brushes - Miniature Round, Size 2/0, 1/16

Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)
List Price:

Miniature Art Brushes

Magnifiers for Miniature Artists

Hands free magnification

Most miniature artists use some form or other of hands free magnification. It's worth trying different options if you can before you buy if you can.

Precision binocular headband magnifier are designed to allow for an efficient working set-up that reduces eye strain and allows three dimensional vision and both hands to be free. Some swear by the headband magnifiers while others find they give them a headache. It's possible that this relates to the individual design and quality of the different headbands.

One option for the serious artist is to have a pair of glasses with proper optical lenses made at the degree of magnification you require

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Comments and Suggestions

Let me know what you think - but please do not spam

DO please leave a comment about miniature art or a suggestion how this site could be improved. Any suggestions about the inclusion of websites relating to miniature art will be reviewed but will only be published if the website is added.

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JaguarJulie Oct 16, 2011 @ 12:39 pm | delete

My dear, you have crafted a fine and intelligent art resource! Love it.

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sue826 Sep 5, 2011 @ 8:35 pm | delete

I used to work for a high end doll house silver smith company - making pots and pans, etc. for doll houses. I went to one convention at the time and saw some miniature artwork that just blew me away.

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jonart Nov 24, 2010 @ 11:05 pm | delete

I have bought and sold a few miniatures from the 1800's. They are intriguing and sometimes bring out the personality of the sitter as strongly as normal sized portraits. Thanks for sharing this info....I'll be back, I'm sure.

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Mona Diane Conner Oct 19, 2010 @ 3:47 pm | delete

Thank you for putting together this lens Katherine! I welcome people to visit my miniature painting blog, The Ruby Slippers, active since 2008 at miniaturepaintingdaily.blogspot.com, where I share my miniatures along with information, helpful links and resources about the art of miniature painting as well as painting in miniature with egg tempera. My miniature paintings and miniature portraits may also be viewed in a gallery on my website at monadianeconner.com

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Barbara Stanton Feb 2, 2010 @ 12:37 pm | delete

I also do miniature portraits in oil on commission as well as workshops on how to paint miniature oil paintings. Let me create an heirloom for you! http://www.barbarastanton.com
Barbara Stanton

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d-artist Feb 19, 2009 @ 6:49 pm | delete

great information...5*

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TimothyMayer Jul 22, 2008 @ 11:34 pm | delete

Could you please mention my company, Kraftmark? We make epoxy sculpting compound for the miniature field.

Reply

Bill Mundy Apr 30, 2008 @ 10:43 am | delete

Both my books PORTRAIT MINIATURES and PORTRAIT MINIATURES 2 are available to purchase at %uFFFD9.50 each. (See my website www.bilmundy.co.uk )I am curenly working on a third book PORTRAIT MINIATURES ORIENTAL. It will be published later this year.

Reply

Wes Siegrist Apr 4, 2008 @ 6:54 am | delete

Katherine, Thanks for posting all this information! Please consider adding a link to the Miniature Art Society of Florida (MASF) and their exhibition:
www.miniatureartsocietyofflorida.com

Please feel free to copy and use any of the resources listed here:
www.artofwildlife.com/miniaturepaintings.html - contains listing of collections, books, miniature societies etc.

Two other potential links would be to the Association of Miniature Artists: www.miniatureartist.com - working towards a standard definition of miniature art today. You currently have this group mentioned under the Yahoo Forum pointing to my personal website which was a temporary URL.

www.artofwildlife.com/miniatureartsocieties.html - A project to compile information regarding the societies and organizations pertaining to the Revival Period in the history of miniature art with contributions encouraged and welcomed.

Thanks so much!
Wes Siegrist

Reply

makingamark Dec 16, 2007 @ 4:00 am | delete

Thanks Tracey - your suggestion is now included above.

Reply

Tracy Hall Dec 14, 2007 @ 12:31 pm | delete

Hi Katherine, you might like to include the following book - its superb: Techniques of Painting Miniatures by Sue Burton.

Reply

Karen Latham Nov 22, 2007 @ 1:10 am | delete

Please check out our informational website for miniature artists- www.miniatureartshows.com. It was developed to help miniature artists find information easily in one place. It is constantly evolving and has member profiles and areas for them to give constructive comments regarding shows and art.

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About Me

Who is makingamark?

Making A Mark

Artist and author Katherine Tyrrell draws and writes about art for artists and art lovers.

In 2010 ranked as #3 in the top 25 art blogs in the UK
Topics include: artists, art competitions, art exhibitions, art blogs; art history; art techniques and tips; art business and marketing; art economy and making a mark with pastels, coloured pencils and pen and ink

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Miniature Art - Resources for Artists

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THE SCOPE OF MINIATURE ART

What is Miniature Art?

Definitions of Miniature Art

The History of Miniature Art

Indian Mughal Miniatures

BOOKS: Mughal Miniatures

Persian Miniature Art

BOOKS: Persian Miniature Painting

Ottoman or Turkish Miniature Painting

Book: Ottoman Miniature Painting

BOOKS: Portrait Miniatures in the UK

BOOKS: Portrait Miniatures in the USA

Netsuke

miniature sculpture originating in Japan

BOOKS: Netsuke

books on Amazon

MINIATURE ART COLLECTIONS

Art Galleries and Museums - The History of Miniature Art

A Guide for Miniature Art Collectors

Miniatures: Dictionary and Guide (Dictionary & Guide)

Miniature Art Collections

Blogs about Miniature Art

Miniature Art - the issue of fakes

MINIATURE ART SOCIETIES & EXHIBITIONS

Miniature Art Societies

Exhibitions of Miniature Art UK & Europe

Exhibitions of Miniature Art - USA

Making A Mark - blogging about miniature art

CONTEMPORARY MINIATURE ARTISTS

Contemporary Miniature Artists - Portraits

Contemporary Miniature Artists - Nature and Wildlife Art

VIDEO: Miniature Paintings by Tracy Hall

Contemporary Miniature Artists - General

Contemporary Miniature Sculpture Artists

Blogs by Miniature Artists

Other websites for miniature artists

HOW TO PAINT A MINIATURE

VIDEO: Flower painting in miniature - Roses in watercolour

BY Tracy Hall

VIDEO: 'Ural Owl' by Tracy Hall

Miniature Art - tips and techniques

articles and videos by accomplished miniature artists

BOOKS: Miniature Art Instruction

books available from amazon

Forums for artists and miniature art

Articles about Miniature Art

ART MATERIALS FOR MINIATURE ARTISTS

Art Supports for miniature artists

Vellum

Ivory

Ivorine

Polymin

Brushes for Miniature Artists

Winsor Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Miniature Brushes

Miniature Round, Size 2/0, 1/16

Winsor Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Miniature Brushes - Miniature Round, Size 2/0, 1/16

Miniature Art Brushes

Magnifiers for Miniature Artists

Hands free magnification

If you love this lens

Comments and Suggestions

Let me know what you think - but please do not spam

About Me

Who is makingamark?

Making A Mark

Artist and author Katherine Tyrrell draws and writes about art for artists and art lovers.

Resources for Artists

by makingamark

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Miniature Painting Techniques

Techniques of Painting Miniatures

More about Miniature Painting

Miniature Painting: A Complete Guide to Techniques, Mediums, and Surfaces