"Forest Lodge" - Third in Drawing and Pastel, at the 42nd Annual International Miniature Art Society of Florida Show!

This weekend is the opening of the 42nd Annual International Miniature Art Society of Florida Show. This year I sent three entries and I'm happy to say, all three of them were juried in the show! The three works are, Forest Lodge, and two new ones in The Wood Nymph Series,  Sylvan Slippers, and Time for Renewal.  I'm even happier to announce that my work,  Forest Lodge was awarded Third Place in Drawing and Pastel!

Top: Forest Lodge

Bottom: Sylvan Slippers and Time for Renewal 

 © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

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

The artwork in this show is always outstanding, created by some of the top artists of Fine Art Miniatures from across the globe! This is why it's such an honor to receive an award!  It's thrilling also because this work was done in graphite and was competing along with beautiful colored pencil work and pastels!  So nice having my little mostly black and white work get noticed!  This show is the largest Miniature Art Show in the USA and there are hundreds of entries from across the globe!

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

3 5/8" x 3 5/8" Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord
 Third Place in Drawing and Pastel

Sylvan Slippers © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

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

Time for Renewal © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

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

The 2017 MASF Exhibition will be held at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art (LRMA).  There are approximately 800 works of art in the show, including the society’s permanent collection of more than 100 miniatures. The museum is located at 600 E Klosterman Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL . (map)
The show runs from  January 15th - February 5th.  There is a Collectors Preview on Saturday, January 14th - 10AM to 5PM with the Artists Reception following at 5:30.  Sunday is the Awards Brunch at Bon Appetit Restaurant, 9AM-12PM.  Sunday, January 15 is the Public Opening, from 1PM-5PM.

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art (LRMA)

600 E Klosterman Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL (map)

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday 10AM - 5PM

Thursday 10AM - 8PM
Friday 10AM - 4PM

Saturday 10AM - 5PM

Sunday 1 - 5PM

Closed Mondays and National Holidays

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  I am currently working on new pieces for the miniature shows in the spring, so do check back.  Please "like" my page on Facebook, B Free Studios.  Happy 2017!

The 25th Annual International Miniature Art Show at Seaside Art Gallery

The 25th Annual International Miniature Art Show at Seaside Art Gallery is happening online now. Each year the show exhibits around 550-600 works of miniature 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!

Tree Sprite, Nocturnal Flight, and Forest Lodge
© Barbara A. Freeman

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

This great show is a favorite of mine. I love the presentation of the entire show online. You can view my three works in the show on Seaside Art Gallery's webpage here, (scroll down), and shown above in their frames. Seaside is a very organized and professionally run gallery. Seaside Art Gallery is one of the largest galleries in the Southeast with 55 years of excellence and reputed customer service. It is owned and operated by the Smith family.

Tree Sprite  © Barbara A. Freeman

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

Tree Sprite  © Barbara A. Freeman

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

Nocturnal Flight © Barbara A. Freeman

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

Forest Lodge © Barbara A. Freeman

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

Seaside Art Gallery's show is one of the top five national miniature shows that you can see in person and online. The jurors for this years show are the masters of miniatures, Wes and Rachelle Siegrist.

The exhibition runs: April 30^th - May 30^th,
The Artists Reception: May 28^{th 7 - 9 PM.}
The gallery location: 2716 South Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head NC. (map)
Toll-free number: 800-828-2444.

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. 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! Collectors are buying pieces as they come into the gallery. You can purchase them before the show opens. When the show is over, the gallery will send your purchase to you, with free shipping in the USA. How easy is that! Please note that their website is still adding images so it may be a bit slow in the beginning. 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!

As always, I thank you for taking the time to read about my work and the shows I am participating in. If you are one of my collectors, I thank you for your support!

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.