Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Through the Portal...New Fine Art Miniature in Graphite

Through the Portal ©Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 2 3/4"x 3 5/8"

This is a new miniature work on film using graphite and mixed media. It's another of my fantasy trees, this one with an opening to tempt the viewer to follow the path inside. I used the photo as a basic reference, for shape and light source. Next to that, is a copy of a colored pencil drawing I did many years ago thinking I would use a similar opening in the new work. However, once working I decided on a different pathway. I started this drawing in my studio with the intention of taking it along with me to work on while visiting family in Indiana. I figured graphite would be easy to carry and work on in short spurts of time. Rather than buy a hand held magnifier and have to pack it, I decided to buy one after I got there. I did some research and found most of the large office supply and art supply store chains have magnifiers and lighting. I googled the location of several in the areas we were passing through and stopped on the way. (I found a decent enough one with a good balanced light AND it was on sale! It worked out great and I left it there for our next visit.)


Once I had the outline worked out and the drawing started, I then focused on doing the inside of the portal. The castle idea came from the work that I did in the miniature, Always Illuminated. I was able to complete enough of the acrylic painting before leaving so would only have to concentrate on the graphite work while away.

The inside work was so tiny, measuring 1/2" x 3/8" !!!


I love doing the texture of trees and bark, so the rest of the work flowed and was a calming mediation for me. I managed to finish all the graphite work while away. However, I'm sorry I don't have more photos of the work in progress. I only have the beginning as above. In fact, I even forgot to photograph it before I put it in a mat and frame under glass! Luckily, I do have the official scans for my website which I hope to have up soon.

Once back home in my studio, I was able to look at the work as a whole and decided that some changes needed to be made. I did a bit more work on the inside acrylic, smoothing out some of the color and added some colored pencil on the underside of the film between the two sets of stairways. I also added a touch of blue on the right side to balance out the color. Below are the photos with the work framed under glass, so there is a bit of glare. I'll be submitting this to a local holiday show. I'll say more about that show as the time draws near. Meanwhile, thanks for taking the time to read about my work.


Through the Portal ©Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 2 3/4"x 3 5/8"


**When using film, the product is Dura-lar Matte film by Grafix.

10 comments:

Clovie Boy said...

Wonderful Barbara! Good luck with it!

Jane said...

I am really looking forward to seeing this!

artbyakiko said...

Absolutely beautiful and the details of the portal are just amazing!!

Tracy Hall said...

This is beautiful Barbara, love the tiny view as well. Its very interesting to see your progress shots - well done for remembering to take them!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks everyone for your comments. Sometimes you get so carried away in the process that you forget to take the photos! It's a good place to be...lost in your work.

Jerry Carlin said...

Hi Barbara, I saw you on Sherry's post and thought I would visit your blog. Wow, how delicate and detailed. mI admire your eyesight and little tiny strokes! I'm in Oregon so we must be neighbors, and it is a very small world, I have a daughter in Austin too! At least she says it is beautiful there and she has a good job!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Hi Stonepost, thanks for your visit. Yes we are neighbors.

It can be beautiful in Austin if you can take the heat! Not me!

My work is very detailed, part of what miniature art is all about. However, I couldn't do it without magnification.

Congrats on getting through your treatment. Good health to you!

Mona Diane Conner said...

Barbara, this is just delightful! A great decision on the frame adds to the fantasy feeling, & I love how the framed miniature looks on its miniature wood easel.

When I was a child we had a small woods down the hill in back of us that I used to love to visit, and I used to go there and fantasize about a tiny kingdom where the little acorn people lived, and your tree series captures these memories for me.

Unknown said...

I'm with Mona, Barbara - delightful was just the word that came to mind for me. It really does invite you in and looks so enchanting. I'm sure you will do very well with this miniature in the exhibitions!!! :)

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thank you so much Mona and Karen. Your childhood memories sound so fun Mona. I like the idea of acorn people. :)