Miniature painting is alive and growing. Painting portrait miniatures is unique and specialised. Mediums,surfaces of variety for the artistic person to create miniature
Miniature painting is about 500 years old. When the first tiny paintings went on display, many people ridiculed their size.
Then Kings and Queens of Europe had miniature portraits painted and a new concept for these tiny works of art arose.
These paintings were painted for manuscripts, treaties etc.
Early miniature portraits:
The title ‘miniature’stems from the word ‘minium’ (red lead) and the early portraits on illuminated manuscripts were outlined with red and so the word miniature was born
Artists painted them for ladies to wear inside a locket or were kept in a special wooden case for security.
A traditional miniature is usually 7.8 cm x 6.6 cm and even smaller. Just imagine a painting as small as a one dollar coin!
Suggestions on surface:
Miniatures can be painted on any smooth surface, but the master painters used Vellum. In 1700 ivory was the chosen material to paint on, it comes from the tusks of elephants and has been banned from import in some countries. A substitute is Ivorine.
Today, miniature art is acceptable on any surface, however the size must fall within the certain size categories to be considered and accepted as miniature.
Portraits were the main subject matter but today this art expression is one that uncovers an unlimited subject matter. Miniature painting is on the upsurge and has evolved over the past 500 years. Many artists paint floral, scenic and other subject matter.
It is now an art form of surprise with so many new ideas so enlarge on your ideas as you progress with miniature painting.
Tiny paintings are art treasures and unique gems of creativity.
More suggestions for miniature painting surface:
Watercolours on paper is the easiest method to begin with. Make sure the paper is smooth, hot press paper is recommended, as a rough surface will inhibit the fine brush application required.
After marking out your subject matter, apply thin washes of colour, as you begin to build up the tones, shadows of your subject be patient and wait for each application to dry. Your brush should be damp, not wet, for fine strokes to be aquired.
TIP: make sure your brush has a fine tip for stroking. A No 3 or smaller, good quality sable brush is ideal for stroking or stippling.
Ivorine is a challenge but fascinating as other mediums may be used on this plastic type surface. It comes in sheets which can be cut to the required size.
Before you begin to paint ,your piece of Ivorine should be washed and then lightly sanded, the particles cleaned and your area is ready for your miniature masterpiece.
Protect your finished art work as finger prints etc., can ruin the many hours of work. Either have it framed immediately or cover with tissue/grease proof paper and place between two pieces of card for protection.
Porcelain is a perfect surface for miniature painting. Painting on porcelain must be fired in a kiln between each application. I suggest you visit here: www.portrait2000.com
where this method is explained in detail .
Ivory is the age-old surface and still is an artist’s choice as oil painting medium can be used. Small brushes are still used and the brushes must be cleansd thoroughly.
This is only a miniature article on the subject .
Enjoy your experience with creating miniatures
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