Small Works of Wonder
Good things come in small packages
The genesis of my mini paintings happened by by chance when I was participating in my first art market.
Each artist was asked to donate something a small piece of art to be used as a draw item. I cut down some older work on paper, into small pieces, and mounted each piece on an individual card. Along with their envelopes, I wrapped up five of these one of a kind greeting cards into a little bundle as my donation.
During the art market, my work on display got some very positive feedback but it was the little paintings on cards that really generated interest. I was encouraged by more seasoned artists to offer something similar for sale. So at the next art market I did just that.
There were about 30 mini paintings, mounted on cards, on my display. Starting with the first visitors, they quickly became very popular and affordable items. A few weeks later I had a wonderful surprise when I saw the first cards that had been sold at a local framing gallery. There were my mini paintings on the work table ready for professional framing!
A mini painting, destined to become an art card, with a pretty red edge detail.
A completed original art card.
Lively yet meditative
To make my mini paintings, I usually begin with an old unresolved painting on paper. The paper is cut down into small works, usually about the size of the palm of my hand.
I measure the dimensions before cutting on the reverse side of the paper to eliminate the distraction of wanting to capture, in just the right way, any particular passage on the front side of the painting.
Once the minis are cut down work begins on them individually. More paint is added as is collage material and acrylic ink which is added with a pen and nib. This is the part of the process that’s most enjoyable as the little dots and dashes are freely drawn and seem to dance across the surface. Using a pen and nib takes me to a meditative place and brings a liveliness to these minis that I am searching for in my larger work.
I fully expect that some of these small marks will get covered by other material and marks but usually a hint of what was there remains. It's the history of the process, visible in the final image, that interests me.
A little surprise
Usually there are about a dozen mini paintings in the works at a time. When the group is complete, the edges of these tiny gems...yes the very thin edges of the paper, get a coat of paint in a contrasting colour.
I have an affinity for edges and believe that painting them is a way to indulge the meticulous and exacting perfectionist side of my personality while keeping the artwork loose and open. Once mounted to card stock the painted edge is barely visible! It’s a little surprise for those who take the time to appreciate the small details.
Each of these fine art cards, blank inside and paired with an envelope is now ready to send as a special occasion gift of original art.
Want to see more mini paintings? Check out my Art Cards gallery.
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