I’m finding that it is not only fun to paint in miniature but it is still a good way to learn and practice. I still have to work on what details to leave out and consider all the same composition rules. But I can play with color without much investment if it turns out to be a failure. There is very little investment at all whether it is financial or time. I am even finding that I would like to reproduce some of them in a larger scale. All around good practice. (These are each 2.5×3.5 inch)
I am continuing my miniature landscape series of Juneau, AK. I’ve taken so many wonderful photos of the beautiful scenery here and now I am getting to use it. It would be nice to have a set of 4 of them displayed together, maybe 4 seasons or just 4 different areas of Juneau. The pic on the left is a view from Harris Harbor. I just loved the light vs. shadow on this. The other picture is Point Retreat Lighthouse. I particularly liked the lighting on the mountain in the distance here. These are both 2.5xx3.5 inch stretched canvas and painted on the sides as well. (I actually sold the lighthouse this seek, the other is for sale)
I was really drawn to do this particular painting because of the nice color contrast I had in mind for his fur. I also wanted the challenge of doing a large close up shot. It was great fun to do and I look forward to doing some more similar close up pictures of animals and perhaps even people. This was painted on 8×8 gesso board, which can be challenging because of the slippery nature of its surface. But I find that it is good for forcing me to stay loose with my brushwork.
These are each 2.5×3.5 inches. They are so much fun to paint! I guess I have always liked detail. The fun thing is, they look very detailed (they are for the size) but in fact I do have to minimize how much detail there is.
I have decided to try selling some mini paintings. These are very difficult to photograph clearly but I did my best at this point. Each of these are 2×4 inches. I do not plan to frame them because they are stretched canvas and I painted around the edges. I do plan to add some sort of ribbon or hanger to show how they c
ould be used as ornaments. They also look really cute on the mini easels that are available.
This is the second time that I painted this little cutie. My goal here was to focus on getting the subtle light changes and shape right. I love the little spot of light on her back that allows the nose to come forward. These types of lighting really capture my attention. It can be a challenge to get the value just right so that it will do what you want but it is worth the effort of practicing. I love the softness and variety of color in this too. I was interested in creating roundness with the contrast of cool and warm colors. It was good practice.
This is another shaggy dog portrait. The first time that I attempted to paint one of these shaggy dogs I was perplexed at just how to go about it. It seems that as I have gotten more experience, I am beginning to see all the wonderful colors of light cast upon the individual hairs as well as beginning to better understand how light works as it falls on its subject. One thing I am learning is that no matter how many times you paint a picture, it will come out a bit different each time. It’s pretty interesting to consider this.
On this foggy morning, I was just struck by the beauty of the layers and the lifting fog. Then when I got closer, to see these beautiful colors just beginning to peak through the fog…what a treat! It is a beautiful place for sure.
This beautiful place is Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, AK. I am fortunate to live just within a few miles. My husband and I love to take morning walks here and we were blesses on this particular morning with this spectacular view. I really love how the distant peak is the only area receiving the warmth of the morning sun. This type of contrast of sunlight and shadow is what really inspires me. It is a challenge to capture that light.
Here in Juneau, AK, we call the road going north, “out the road.” It is a dead end and does not connect to any other part of Alaska. You can drive for many miles along this road and the whole way is a continuous view such as this painting. the mountains are called the Chilkat range. As you can see, it is spectacular on a clear day!
Art with my Coffee 