This is my latest miniature work, just finished the final fixative coat on it yesterday. Now, it's ready for scanning, then finding or cutting a mat! As you can see, I am still on my crow and clock theme here. Thanks to the Arts Council of Snohomish County for the Of Clocks and Crows Exhibit that I did my work, Finding Time for, I have now done four works with a crow in them. Oh, I forgot, there is a crow in both of my Buddha paintings, but I did those two before the Clocks and Crows show. Still, I love getting inspired with a subject and then having it repeat in more work. It creates a series and allows me to further explore that subject.
This one, still untitled, is done on * Dura-lar Matte film with colored pencil on the underside for the watch and the interior of the tree. The chain and a bit of highlight on the eye and watch were done with acrylic, with a tiny bit of gold. *Check out the review I did on Dura-lar Matte film on the link at Dick Blick.
I love drawing trees, they have so much character and great texture. Just after I completed this, I knew I had to move on, (deadlines, deadlines, deadlines,) and I am now working on a silverpoint miniature continuing the tree with all it's mystery theme. This one though has a rabbit featured in it! Hopefully it will be a successful piece. Silverpoint does not allow you to erase, so you really have to know where you want to put your marks and have them work! So far, it's going well. I'll keep you posted.
More wonderful news... I have been invited to become an Associate Member of the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington D.C.! (MPSGS) This is the oldest Miniature Art Society in the US (founded in 1931) and is the second oldest in the world! The Royal Society of Miniature Painter, Sculptors and Graver in London, England is the oldest. The membership is by invitation only and decided by a vote of the other members. To be eligible, you have to have exhibited in three annual Society shows or have been awarded a first, second, or third prize at any Society exhibition. I am so honored!
As always, thank you for taking the time to look at my work and read my blog.
13 comments:
A big congratulations on being invited as a member of the MPSGS. How exciting and well deserved. You work is wonderful.
I am so happy for you.
Clock & Crow on the "Dura-Lar Matte film. I will certainly check out the review.
Your being invited into that society is a well-deserved honor indeed, Barbara!
I love that you've added a few hints of color to this piece. I think it adds just the right touch of interest without overwhelming the feel of the graphite and mood that comes with that. I love these ravens and clocks too. I am not sure why...Something Poeian and mysterious, I think. This is another beauty!
This is great --you are really creating a wonderful series! I really like your graphite work and the little touches of color really create extra interest. AND congratulations on the membership to MPSGS that sounds very exciting! Spring is almost here i am looking forward to having you & Wayne over to our place taking you to the park with all trees :)
Thank you Dors, for you kind words. The work I did for the show, Of Clocks and Crows was a group show back in September, and the work that was in that show was titled "Finding Time"
The review is one that I did for the product Dura-lar Matte film and I did it on Dick Blick's website. Sorry for the confusion. I guess I was excited when I wrote it! : )
Thank you Sherry. I'm glad you think that the color adds another layer of interest. Just what I wanted, yes and mystery too!
Thanks Janie. It has been spring like around here, looking forward to it! I need some new photos and a mind clearing, especially after the April deadlines!
Congratulations on your invitation to MPSGS - no surprise to those of us familiar with your beautiful work. I actually read that review a few weeks ago when I was researching drafting film for my submission to North light Books and never guessed it was yours - what a small world!!!!
was just looking at your piece again and wow the pocket watch looks so real--has that metallic look--hard to do!
Thanks Karen, and good luck on your submission! I don't know about you, but I get lots of hits on my blog looking at my WIPs on film. There is a lot of interest out there.
Thanks Janie! I'm glad it does!! I worked hard on trying to get that just right! Wayne has a pocket watch that was his grandfather's. I did several photos of it using a strong light source and at different angles. Plus, I kept it in front of me while working. Then I wanted to make it look dirty and aged. Thanks for noticing!: )
Congratulations, Barbara!
Congrats on the invitation to MPSGS! No surprise tho! I have GOT to try that Dura Lar- I keep letting other things get in the way. Then I check your blog and get all excited again, gosh daRn- gotta get on the stick!!!
I bet Karen's work would be gorgeous on it too as yours is.
Thanks Tatiana.
Thanks Carol. I hope you do try the Dura-lar Matte. I know others are painting on it, however, just so you know, I only use it for pencil, not painting, except to add a touch of acrylic for an highlight or a bit of color. The Dura-lar Matte states, the "surface which accepts ink without feathering, as well as pencils and other drawing media". It does have a wet media film, but I've not used it. If I want a similar surface to paint on, I use polymin which is for painting. You can buy that at http://www.miniartsupply.biz/index.htm.
Karen Hull does incredible graphite and colored pencil work on film. You can see her work here: http://miniatureartbykhull.blogspot.com/
Congratulations! What an honor to be an associate member of the MPSGS!
And I'm loving your clocks and crows too.
I still have a bunch of drafting film left to work on. How is the Dura-lar different from working on drafting film?
Thanks Deb. As to drafting film, I have only used Dura-lar Matte by Grafix. I think it's only a brand but I could be wrong on that. If anyone knows, it would be great to hear if there is a difference.
Barbara, another lovely work in your bird series! Congratulations also on becoming a member of MPSGS!
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