82nd Annual International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature (MPSGS)

I'm so happy that my two graphite entries, The Visitors and Forest Lodge were accepted in the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society (MPSGS), for their upcoming show in November!

The Visitors and Forest Lodge    © Barbara A. Freeman M.A.A.

Both 3 5/8" x 3 5/8"  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord

 
The Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society (MPSGS) of Washington, DC is the second oldest Miniature Arts Society in the world, the oldest in the United States. The 82nd Annual International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature show is held at The Mansion at the Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD. They are open, Weekdays 10-4 • Wed. 10-9 • Sat. 10-3 (closed Sun. and Holidays). The Exhibition Opening is Sunday, November 22nd, 2015, 2 to 4.  The show runs November 22nd through January 3rd, 2016.  This years Judge is James Rogowski, Professional Artist.  If you are in the area, this is a beautiful venue and a show not to miss.  These tiny treasures make great holiday gifts!

Forest Lodge © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

3 5/8" x 3 5/8"  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord

The Visitors © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

3 5/8" x 3 5/8"  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord

THE SPIRIT OF A MINIATURE (Taken from the prospectus)

This unique art form, based on a minute scale, traces its roots back to the book paintings and illuminated manuscripts set in the 7th century.  A work of fine art in miniature is a particularly personal object that draws the viewer into an intimate, concentrated little world that is breathtaking in its execution.  Every single detail is miniaturized – the scale of the subject matter, the brush or pencil strokes – so that only with high magnification can one behold the immaculate details of the artist's technique which may include stippling, hatching or pointillism.  These techniques are a specialized means of producing a perfect balance of color and detail in a series of thinly applied layers of exquisite color intended to reflect light. The miniatures show a high standard of design and the artist’s mastery of the chosen media and palette.

This year has been another year with not much time to create.  It didn't seem like we were home for long, settling in to our new living arrangements with Gina and Zita, when we were once again on the road, or railroad as it was.  From train to rent car we drove in Indiana to visit my Mom-in-law who is in long-term care.  She looked great and is getting around so well!  From there we drove to the airport in Indy to fly to Florida to visit my folks.  It was great to see both our families, I just wish everyone was not so far away!  

Home at last I am finding time to get in my studio and hopefully I will get my head and heart back in to my work!  I aim to spend less time on Facebook and more time on making my art!  As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.

25th Annual Shoreline Arts Festival - Awarded 2nd Place!

I will have two drawings in the  25th Annual Shoreline Arts Festival held on June 27 - 28th at the Shoreline Center.  The Shoreline Arts Festival provides two extraordinary days of music, dance, theatre, literary arts, visual arts, and food, plus the Shoreline Philippine Festival. This creative community event, sponsored by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, is FREE! 

My two works in the juried gallery are She Weeps and Outside In.  The Juried Art Exhibit is one of the highlights of the Arts Festival. It features over 300 artworks from regional artists in 2D, 3D, and photography.  More great news, I was awarded 2nd Place for the work, Outside In!

She Weeps  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  8" x 10"

Outside In © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Metal Leaf on Claybord 10" x 8"

I have submitted to this show only once before and really liked the multicultural make up of this festival.  Last time we arrived later in the evening and didn't have enough time to see all that we wanted to.  This year, we'll make a point to go early enough!  It's supposed to be a very warm day so hope you can come on out to the Shoreline Arts Festival and see all it has to offer!  Be sure to have a look at the work in the juried gallery as well as the artist marketplace, music, theatre and food.  There is so much to see and do for the whole family!  Hope to see you there!

25th Annual Shoreline Arts Festival

June 27 - 28

Sat 10am-6pm  Sun 10am-5pm

Shoreline Center

18560 1^st Ave NE

Shoreline, WA 098155 (map)

ARTIST MARKETPLACE

Pursue paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and pretty much every other kind of art as you saunter through the sunshine and decide which of the masterpieces on offer will grace your mantelpiece. Enrich your home with hand-made art, support local artists, and show the world where you stand as a curator of great taste. With over 80 participating artists, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

2 STAGES OF LIVE MUSIC and DANCE

Sit back, relax, and let us entertain you with an array of musical and dance performances spanning a wide range of styles, or if you’re adventurous take the Festival into your own hands during our Open Mic hour. The world is your oyster. Check out the full line up here.

HANDS ON ART FOR KIDS and KIDS-AT-HEART

Try your hand at a Festival favorite with one or all of our Hands-On Art stations! This art is for kids and adults alike. We’ve got all the supplies for the making. All you need to bring is your imagination. The famous Fish Prints are back for a sea of colorful aquatic productions. We’ll have several other Hands-on Art stations for your to explore this year. Come create with us!

CULTURAL ROOMS

Explore the four cultural rooms that offer many fun hands-on activities and displays. Experience different cultures, sample foods, see art, listen to music, learn to dance. This year’s highlights include:
Explore Korean! (Korean Cultural Room) presented by the Korean American Historical Society
Philippine Cultural Room hosted by Filipiniana Arts and Culture, Arab Cultural Room hosted by Arab Center of Washington and Chinese Cultural Room hosted by Chinese Artist Group.

FOOD TRUCK FOOD COURT

Get lunch, dinner, or just a sweet treat at this year’s Arts Festival Food Court. Conveniently located by the Showmobile Outdoor Stage the food court is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work and the shows I'm participating in.

2015 17th Annual Juried Kenmore Art Show

I'm happy to announce that my two works, First Encounter and Special Delivery were accepted into the 17th Annual Juried Kenmore Art Show, sponsored by and held on the lovely campus of Bastyr University, located on the north shore of Lake Washington and surrounded by the 316-acre St. Edward State Park.  The show theme is, "Inspired by Nature."   Entries exemplifying the show theme will be considered for the special Theme Award!

The show opens to the public on
Wednesday,  June 24th, through June 28th, 2015

 Bastyr University 

145000 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore WA.  (map) 

Preview, Awards Ceremony & Reception

Wednesday, June 24th 5:30 - 6:30pm

Reception &  Awards 6:30 - 8:00pm

Show hours

Thursday - Saturday, June 25th - June 27th  10am to 8pm

Sunday, June 28th 10am to 7pm

 All art on exhibit is available for purchase. The show will also feature nightly entertainment and guest speaker programs that will be held in the Bastyr University Auditorium. For more information of all the fun things to do, please click on this link.  Hope to see you there!

 First Encounter  © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 8 1/2" x 8"

Special Delivery  © Barbara A. Freeman

 Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 9 3/4" x 7 5/8"

There is a WIP (work in progress) of the above drawing, Special Delivery , on my blog if you wish to read more about the process of this piece.  Both pieces were inspired by the lovely landscapes we have here in the Pacific Northwest.  I particularly love the trees and rocks that I see everywhere!  There are so many magical places to encounter, how can you not be inspired!

Special Delivery  © Barbara A. Freeman

 Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 9 3/4" x 7 5/8"

I am hoping now to be back in the studio on a regular basis, creating new work.  After nearly two and a half weeks of a fun filled road trip adventure, we are home with our daughter who will become a new WA resident!  It makes us happy to have her near and to enjoy her company.  As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Hope you have a great adventure filled summer!

2015 58th Annual Edmonds Arts Festival

This weekend I'll be delivering my work for the 58th Annual Edmonds Arts Festival! My selected entry, Transformations is a new mixed media piece from my Fantasy Trees Series. 

The Edmonds Arts Festival is a three day fun filled event that takes place over Fathers' Day Weekend, June 19th - 21st, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Frances Anderson Cultural Center, 700 Main Street in beautiful downtown Edmonds, WA. (map)  The Edmonds Arts Festival is one of the longest running in the Northwest, attracting artists from across the nation.  There are artists booths outside along with performing arts and children's activities and yummy food.  My work will be in the Juried Gallery Show which is INSIDE the Frances Anderson Center.  There are different rooms exhibiting the juried work, the main gallery where my work is located, you'll find, paintings, drawings and miniature art.  Don't miss the photography and artisan work which is located in rooms a few steps up.  Also, you can find the excellent student art show downstairs. Don't miss out on a fun weekend!  Bring Dad along, too!  All artwork is for sale.  Remember, art makes a fine Fathers' Day Gift!  Happy Fathers' Day to all you Fathers out there!

Transformations  © Barbara A. Freeman

 Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  10"x 8"

Transformations was done on an Ampersand Claybord Art Panel which is a very smooth, hard surface that is great for the fine detail and texture that I love doing.  The tree was drawn in graphite.  I used metal leaf for the sparkly bits and acrylic for the color.  I used a mix of adding and subtracting marks and paint to achieve the background to give it some depth and mystery. The sparkly bits could be fireflies or moths or anything you want them to be.  I love the things that take place underground, the metamorphosis of all the life that goes on below us.

Transformations © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord 10"x 8"

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  I have been going through many life challenges and changes in the last few years.  I have not been able to spend as much time in my studio as I would like but when I do, it is a sanity saver.  I am so grateful when I put pencil or brush to a surface.  It takes me to a quiet place to be transformed. 

23rd Invitational Miniature Show - Snow Goose Gallery!

I am excited to have been invited to participate in the 23rd Invitational Exhibition of Fine Art Miniatures from Around the World at the Snow Goose Gallery, 470 Main Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania! (map)  There are over 90 (so far) miniature artists in the show and wow, it's such an honor to be included!

Above are my three works in the show, shown in their frames.  They are, Sanctuary, Capturing the Glow, and Nocturnal Flight.  All three are graphite and mixed media on Claybord.  They are part of my Fantasy Tree Series. 

Capturing the Glow  © Barbara A. Freeman M.A.A.

Graphite and Mixed Media  3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Sanctuary  © Barbara A. Freeman M.A.A.

Graphite and Mixed Media  3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Nocturnal Flight  © Barbara A. Freeman M.A.A.

Graphite and Mixed Media  3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Snow Goose Gallery

Located in the heart of Historic Bethlehem, PA 

The Art of the Miniature XXIII

The Twenty Third Invitational Exhibition of Fine Art Miniatures from Around the World

May 3rd - June 14th, 2015

Collectors' Preview: Saturday, May 2nd 5- 8 pm

Opening Reception: Sunday, May 3rd, 1- 5 pm

Enjoy the music of Lou Czechowski (keyboard) and Tom Kosic (guitar)

Scrumptious hors d'oeuvres provided by The Mint Gastropub!

The opening sounds like great fun!  I wish I was able to see this one in person.   Okay, I admit, I'd love to see them all in person!  If you are anywhere near Bethlehem, PA be sure to make the Snow Goose Gallery a visit.  You will be happy you did!  The work will also be up on the Snow Goose Gallery's website starting on the opening weekend, May, 4th until the end of the show.  The work will be available for purchase as well.  The only problem, will be, which ones to choose!  All beautiful jewels, they'd make the perfect gift for MOM!  As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.

Seaside Art Gallery's 24th International Miniature Art Show

The 24th Annual International Miniature Art Show at Seaside Art Gallery is happening online now.  I missed submitting to this show last year and am so pleased that I am able to submit work this year!  Each year the show exhibits around 550-600 works of art by talented artists from all around the globe.  Some of the world’s most renowned miniature artists participate each year! This show has a wonderful variety of  fine art miniatures! 

Above are my three works in the show, shown in their frames.  They are, The Custodian, Sure Signs of Autumn, and Smooching. 

This great show is a favorite of mine. I love the presentation of the entire show online. Seaside is a very organized and well run gallery.  Not only will you be able to click on the work to see an enlarged view, but if you click on the details, it tells you the artist's name and where they're from.  There is also a thumbnail of the work in it's frame which you can click on for an enlarged framed view. The clarity of the image is perfect AND you can put it in your cart and buy the artwork online!  Just click on The Custodian, Sure Signs of Autumn or Smooching to see my work on Seaside's online gallery.  If you want to go back to the rest of the show, just click at the bottom, 24th International Miniature Art Show, it will take you there.  Enjoy!

The Custodian © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Sure Signs of Autumn © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Claybord  3 5/8" x 3 5/8" 

Smooching © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic  1 3/4" x 2 3/4"

Seaside Art Gallery's show is one of the top five national miniature shows that you can see in person and online.  The exhibition runs from May 2^nd through May 30^th,  2015.  The Artists Reception is May 23^rd from 7 to 9 PM.  

The online exhibition starts upon arrival of each artist’s work.  When the artwork arrives in the gallery, it is examined, measured, photographed and posted.   Miniature art is often referred to as "the little jewels of the art world" and enjoys continued growth in popularity worldwide. All beautiful jewels, they'd make the perfect gift for MOM!  I hope if you are in the area, you will go see this great show!  Seaside Art Gallery, 2716 Virginia Dare Trail South, Nags Head, NC 

**Please Note: The artwork for the 24th IMAS  is currently for sale.  If purchasing online, please be sure to click “apply coupon” to activate the free shipping.  However the art must remain at the gallery until the end of the show, at which time Seaside Art Gallery will  ship it  free within the USA. Call or email us with any questions concerning the show, or other gallery art at 252.441.5418, or 800.828.2444.  Email:  info@seasideart.com.

Thanks for taking the time to read about the shows I'm participating in and my work.  Spring is in the air and lots of things happening to me here on the home front.  I'm staying busy creating new work and am submitting to a few more shows this year, than last.  It's all been a slow process, but moving along.  A big change is happening this summer when will be welcoming our daughter, Gina, (and her little dog too!) who will be leaving the hot state of TX to come reside in the cool Pacific Northwest.  We'll be meeting up with her in TX and having a fun road trip back here.  We're hoping to visit the area around Santa Fe and elsewhere on our way back home.  It's all still in the planning stage but I'm sure we will have lots of fun and inspirations on the trip there and back.  We will be so pleased to have her here!