83rd Annual International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature - Honorable Mention for The Return

This weekend is the opening of the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington, DC's   83rd Annual International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature.  I'm so happy that my two graphite entries, Sanctuary and The Return were both accepted in the show!  I'm even happier that my entry, The Return was awarded an Honorable Mention!  There will be more than 600 tiny treasures from around the world for this ever-popular juried exhibition.

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

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

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

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

Awarded Honorable Mention

 Sanctuary and The Return  © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

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

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 83rd 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. 10-4 and Sun. 12-4 (closed Mon. and Holidays). The Exhibition Opening is Sunday, November 20th, 2016, 2 to 4.  The show runs November 20th through December 31st, 2016.  This years Judge is Judy Lalingo, 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!

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.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  I will also have work in the Miniature Art Society of Florida's show coming up in January - more info soon.  May you find many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!