Miniature Paintings
Saturday, 07 October 2006
Miniature Paintings
Miniature paintings, technique & rules explained.
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The Lathams' Miniature Paintings
A family of artists creating a collection of miniature paintings....
Rebecca Latham (pictured above) standing near her new miniature work at the 2004 (MPSGS) Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C. at the show's 'Patron's Preview'
The Latham artists paint and exhibit a collection of miniature paintings every year that are exhibited and purchased in miniature painting & sculpture shows in the United States and Britain. The artists often comment that painting these hand held miniature works repeatedly yield faster results in the studio than the artists' larger paintings. Please see this article for additional information and detail about what miniature painting is.
The Latham artists paint and exhibit a collection of miniature paintings every year that are exhibited and purchased in miniature shows in the United States and Britain. The artist's often comment that painting these miniature works repeatedly yield faster results in the studio than the artists' larger paintings.
The Lathams have exhibited their small miniature paintings in the (RMS) Royal Miniature Society/Royal Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society's miniature art exhibition held at the Mall Galleries in London; the (MPSGS) Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C.'s miniature art exhibition held at the Strathmore Hall in Maryland; the (BSM) British Society of Miniaturists' miniature art exhibition held at the Kings Hall/Winter Gardens in Ilkly, West Yorkshire (England/United Kingdom); the (WFM) World Federation of Miniaturists miniature art exhibition held at the Smithsonian's International Gallery in Washington, D.C.; the (HS) Hilliard Society of Miniaturist's miniature painting and sculpture exhibition held at the town hall in Wells, Somerset (England/United Kingdom); the (MASNJ) Miniature Art Society of New Jersey's miniature art exhibition held at the World Fine Art Gallery in New York, NY; and the (MASF) Miniature Art Society of Florida's miniature art exhibitions held at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art and Dunedin Fine Arts Center in Florida as well as numerous non-society miniature art exhibitions. The artists have also exhibited their miniature paintings at many gallery & museum The term miniature relates first of all to technique and identification and only secondly to the size of a painting. One can produce a 12-inch painting which is also a miniature. The size of a miniature is traditionally described as small enough to carry in a person's hand, pocket or bag. But this implies that sizes can vary enormously. Presumably, as long as the miniature technique is observed, a wall could be painted in miniature, even though the preciousness of the hand-held miniature would be lost. This technique is a specialized means of producing a prefect balance of color and detail in a series of thinly applied colors, intended to reflect light, within the boundary of a small frame. This does not mean that only traditional watercolor paint can be used. The technique produces the recognizable translucent and delicate look of the multilayered painting, but it can be applied using any of our present-day mediums. The word miniaturism, sometimes heard in the United States, is not a correct description of the discipline of the miniature. "miniature painting", or "the art of the miniature", is the correct description of this enchanting and fascinating branch of fine art. || The miniature by virtue of its detail and the finest execution of medium must stand up to the closest inspection, whilst at the same time hold its own with good composition and tonal balance when viewed from afar. A wide variety of media are used on surfaces such as paper, Ivorine, Ivorex and others from specialist suppliers. Works also include those of enamellers and engravers. It is the great variety of subjects, media and techniques which serve to keep miniature art alive and a constant delight. || Miniature painting has become more popular in recent years. There are numerous miniature painting/miniature art societies promoting the tiny art form and sponsoring numerous miniature painting and miniature sculpture exhibitions. Each miniature painting society has it's own unique rules of size and various restrictions. Some respected miniature painting/sculpture societies include the Royal Society of Miniaturists, the Miniature Art Society of Florida, the British Society of Miniaturists, and the Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society to name a few. || The Lathams often exhibit a selection of their miniature paintings in the United States and England. Visit the Latham's current exhibit schedule to see locations and dates of these miniature art exhibits and shows.miniature shows including the Arts for the Parks "Mini 100" in Jackson Hole, WY; the Thomas Gilcrease Museum's American Art in Miniature in Tulsa, OK; the Papermill International Miniature Exhibition at the Renee Foosaner Gallery in Millburn, NJ; Little Jewels Miniature Show in Jackson, WY; Objects of Desire Miniature Exhibition in Cincinnati, OH; Whistle Pik Galleries' Christmas Miniature Show in Fredericksburg, TX; It's a Small World Miniature Show in Jackson, WY; and others. In addition to these miniature painting shows and exhibits, the artists' miniature paintings are also represented by numerous fine art galleries across the United States. Please see the Galleries & Dealers page for an up to date listing of galleries representing the Latham's hand held miniature paintings and larger works in miniature.
The Lathams have won many awards for their miniature paintings (including best of show awards in miniature painting and other competitions.) and have been featured in numerous international magazines for their miniature paintings as well as their larger artwork.
We have included some information about the history, technique, & explanation of miniature painting and miniature artwork for your information. Enjoy!!
What are Miniature Paintings & Miniature Sculptures?
What exactly does the term "miniature" mean & how are miniature paintings & miniature art made?
The description of a miniature and exactly what a miniature is can be and is confused quite often. Many different exhibitions refer to miniature paintings in their shows that measure less than 12 square inches or others that measure 11x14 or larger. The painting of minute intricacies and the use of a delicate and detailed painting technique is the primary specification of a miniature painting. With this in mind, though a 'traditional miniature' or
Rebecca Latham's collection of miniature paintings, including this piece depicting a Mute Swan (pictured above), was awarded the "Rowland Hilder Shield" award - Best of Show at the British Society of Miniaturists annual miniature painting exhibition in Ilkly, West Yorkshire, England.
Rebecca Latham's collection of miniature paintings, including this piece depicting a Mute Swan (pictured above), was awarded the "Rowland Hilder Shield" award - Best of Show at the British Society of Miniaturists annual miniature painting exhibition in Ilkly, West Yorkshire, England.
may fit into the palm of your hand, a miniature painting or sculpture is not limited to this small size. A 9x12 inch painting or even a mural would also be considered a miniature painting, as long as minute miniature details are rendered in the painting technique of the artwork. However, there is a treasured, jewel-like quality to a skillfully painted miniature that measures no larger than the palm of your hand.
This does not mean that only traditional watercolor paint can be used. The technique produces the recognizable translucent and delicate look of the multilayered painting, but it can be applied using any of our present-day mediums. Painting miniatures is a unique form of painting, though not completely foreign to its larger counterparts. As in larger forms of painting, the artist must create a work of art that is balanced in light, color, & form. Yet a miniature painter must do all of this and balance it with the intricate details that make miniature painting what it is. In this delightful & charming specialty of fine art, those who have mastered the discipline of miniature painting create their artworks by sparingly applying layers of color over their canvases to achieve the desired effect. As in other forms of art, masterfully painted hand held miniatures leave a lasting impression and contain richness and refined quality that carry across a room in spite their small size.
The miniature by virtue of its detail and the finest execution of medium must stand up to the closest inspection, whilst at the same time hold its own with good composition and tonal balance when viewed from afar. A wide variety of media are used on surfaces such as paper, Ivorine, Ivorex and others from specialist suppliers. These miniature works also include those of enamellers and engravers. It is the great variety of subjects, media and techniques which serve to keep miniature art alive and a constant delight.
Miniature painting has become more popular in recent years. There are numerous miniature painting/miniature art societies promoting the tiny art form and sponsoring numerous miniature painting and miniature sculpture exhibitions. Each miniature painting society has it's own unique requirements of size and various restrictions. Some respected miniature painting/sculpture societies include the Royal Society of Miniaturists, the Miniature Art Society of Florida, and the Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society to name a few.
Karen Latham's painting "Snowy" (pictured above) was chosen as the Region I winner in the 2004 Arts for the Parks "Mini 100" miniature painting competition.
Karen Latham's larger miniature painting "Snowy" (pictured above) was chosen as the Region I winner in the 2004 Arts for the Parks "Mini 100" miniature painting competition.
Some of the other miniature art shows & exhibitions, at art galleries & museums, that the Latham artists have exhibited their miniature paintings in (including the Arts for the Parks "Mini 100" in Jackson Hole, WY; Thomas Gilcrease Museum's American Art in Miniature in Tulsa, OK; Little Jewels Miniature Show in Jackson, WY; Objects of Desire Miniature Exhibition in Cincinnati, OH; the Papermill International Miniature Exhibition at the Renee Foosaner Gallery in Millburn, NJ; Whistle Pik Galleries' Christmas Miniature Show in Fredericksburg, TX; It's a Small World Miniature Show in Jackson, WY; and others) feature pieces that are often a bit larger in size than the hand held miniature paintings & miniature art as described above. These shows often feature a variety of styles of painting and sculpture showing the spectrum of true impressionism to the detailed "spirit of miniature". Often, but not always, these types of miniature shows exhibit miniature paintings that are small sized as well as works up to 11x14 - 12x16 in size. These miniature paintings and miniature sculpture shows are truly delightful (and a favorite among art lovers of large and miniature paintings/sculpture) as they accommodate so many styles,
Bonnie Latham's "Morning Beauty" miniature painting featuring a Mute Swan, pictured above, was awarded an Award of Excellence at the Paper Mill Play House Annual International Miniature Painting Exhibition in Millburn, New Jersey
Bonnie Latham's "Morning Beauty" miniature painting featuring a Mute Swan, pictured above, was awarded an Award of Excellence at the Paper Mill Play House Annual International Miniature Painting Exhibition in Millburn, New Jersey.
technique, sizes, & price ranges of today's miniature painting/sculpture collector -- something for everyone's taste.
More of the Latham Family's Miniature Paintings
Latham Miniature Paintings. Where to look for more....
The Lathams often exhibit a selection of their miniature paintings in the United States and England. Visit the Latham's current exhibit schedule to see locations and dates of these miniature art exhibits and shows. ::||:: You may also be interested in seeing the artist's large and miniature paintings in progress, commissioned large & miniature paintings, and recently completed paintings in Karen, Rebecca, & Bonnie's Art Studios online. Please contact the artists if you are interested in commissioning an original miniature painting. ::||:: The Latham's also often print a limited edition of many of their miniature paintings as fine art canvas and/or paper giclιe prints. Doing this makes it possible for more art patrons to collect and enjoy the artists' miniature images, as well as making the original miniature painting even more valuable and collectable (because of it's increased exposure). If you are interested in seeing more of these editions of miniature paintings, please visit the artists' online catalog of miniature & larger limited edition giclιes. ::||:: The Lathams offer their art images, both miniature paintings and larger paintings, for licensing on quality products. If you are interested in purchasing licensing rights for a product, please contact the artists.The Lathams often exhibit a selection of their miniature paintings in the United States and England. Visit the Latham's current exhibit schedule to see locations and dates of these miniature painting/art exhibits and shows. Exhibit Schedule of Miniature Paintings and other Shows
You may also be interested in seeing the artist's large and miniature paintings in progress, commissioned large & miniature paintings, and recently completed paintings in Karen, Rebecca, & Bonnie's Art Studios online. Please contact the artists if you are interested in commissioning an original miniature painting.
The Latham's also often print a limited edition of many of their hand held miniature paintings as fine art canvas and/or paper giclιe prints. Doing this makes it possible for more art patrons to collect and enjoy the artists' miniature images, as well as making the original miniature painting even more valuable and collectable (because of it's increased exposure). If you are interested in seeing more of these editions of large or small miniature paintings, please visit the artists' online catalog of miniature & larger limited edition giclιes.
The Lathams offer their art images, both hand held miniature paintings and larger paintings in miniature, for licensing on quality products. If you are interested in purchasing licensing rights for a product, please contact the artists.
Miniature Painting Societies / Miniature Art Societies
Listed below are some miniature painting societies that may be helpful to both the miniature artist as well as the miniature art collector. The miniature painting societies/art societies are listed with some information about the organizations as well as their web address, if applicable.
Additionally, an article has been made available about miniature painting and what qualifies a work as a traditionally painted miniature as well as other valuable information.
The Latham family are the founders of Miniature Art Shows.com,
a website dedicated to the art of the miniature.
www.miniatureartshows.com
(WFM) World Federation of Miniaturists
The society was founded in 1994 and holds a world exhibition of miniatures every four years.
World Federation of Miniaturists Society Website :: http://www.worldfm.org/
(BSM) British Society of Miniaturists
The BSM was founded in 1876 (several months prior to the founding of the RMS) making it the oldest miniature art society in the world. (Karen & Rebecca are the first international members elected to the British Society of Miniaturists.)
British Society of Miniaturists Website :: http://www.britpaint.co.uk
(RMS) Royal Miniature Society/Royal Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society
The society was founded in 1876 and is sponsored by HRH the Prince of Wales.
Royal Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society Website
http://royal-miniature-society.org.uk/
(MPSGS) Miniature Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C.
The society was founded in 1931 by Alyn Williams, Founder of the RMS in London, England. the MPSGS is the oldest active organization of miniaturists in the USA.
http://www.mpsgs.org
(MASNJ) Miniature Art Society of New Jersey
Miniature Art Society of New Jersey Website http://miniatureartsocietyofnj.com
(HS) The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists
The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists Website :: http://art-in-miniature.org
(MASF) Miniature Art Society of Florida
The MASF was founded in 1974 in Clearwater Florida. The society holds an international exhibition every year and gives scholarships to students.
Miniature Art Society of Florida :: http://www.miniature-art.com
Many of these organizations have information on their websites about their upcoming or past miniature painting exhibits & shows as well as information for those wishing to join the miniature society.
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