Seaside Gallery's Miniature Show and New Work

Patience © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Illustration Board 3 1/2" x 2 5/8"

 

Undaunted © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Illustration Board 2" x 2"

Moonbathing © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

It must be spring because it's that time again for Seaside Art Gallery's 21^st Annual International Miniature Art Show in Nags Head, North Carolina. 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 can you click on the work and it will enlarge, 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 that 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 it online!  My work was posted online Monday morning and by around noon, I was checking on it for the link and was surprised to see that Moonbathing had already sold!!  That made my day!  Just click on Patience, Undaunted or Moonbathing to see my work on Seaside's online gallery.

Another happy event is Gina Ballew, my daughter, also has two of her mosaic works in the show.  It's her first out of state show!  Her two beautiful works,  Awaiting Spring's Arrival and The Snake Doctor can been seen by clicking on the titles or you can read about them on her blog, Pink Chicken Mosaics.  This is the first show we both have work in together!  I'm really pleased she took the plunge and put her work out there!  You can view all the work in this fabulous miniature art show on their website at, Seaside Art Gallery Miniature Art Show.

This is Seaside Art Gallery's 51^st Anniversary in the original location of the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.  This show is one of the top five national miniature shows in person and online.  The exhibition runs from April 28^th through June 2^nd,  2012. 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.  Each year, this nationally acclaimed miniature show exhibits approximately 600 works of art by artists from all around the globe. Some of the world’s most renowned miniature artists participate each year. Miniature art is often referred to as "the little jewels of the art world" and enjoys continued growth in popularity worldwide. Wish I could be there to see it in person! 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 252.441.5418 or 800.828.2444

My new works, Patience and Undaunted were painted in acrylic on Illustration Board.  The heron was from our outing that we took to Boundary Bay, BC (to see the Snowy Owls). The snail was from a hike we took at the Boulder River Wilderness Area.  Moonbathing is from my series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities.

On another note, I'll have more new work and show announcements to post soon.  I have been really busy creating enough new work for all the spring show deadlines.  It's been difficult to keep up with the demands of not only creating the work, but also all the other things that go into making it a finished piece of art ready for show.  Then add all the social media to keep up with in promoting that work!  In March we traveled by train to visit my in-laws in Indiana.  They are still insisting on living independently in their own home but have become more frail.  We do worry about them, so we are trying to visit often.  To all my blogger friends, I do read about all your new work and shows, but I don't always get to reply.  You are all an inspiration!  Until next time, I thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Happy Spring!

Two New Miniatures and Gallery North Mini Show

I have two new fine art miniature works to share.  Both of these were done in graphite, colored pencil and acrylic on film. My last two works of a mermaid and river siren inspired me to do one as a miniature.  I had a reclining figure that would be great from a back view, I just needed a location to put her in.  Last Tuesday, it was not raining, so around 4 we hopped in the car and drove over to Mukilteo for a walk and photo shoot.  It was low tide and as I wanted a rocky shore instead of sand or grasses, the timing was good!  There were some great clouds over the sound so I took a lot of photos for future reference.  Waiting is the result of those reference photos and my reclining mermaid idea.  My intention was to create a serene place for the mermaid or siren to be resting, gazing at the horizon, waiting for her ship to come in, or her sailor, or whatever you want her to be waiting for.  Perhaps you can hear her singing!  Waiting is another work in my series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities.

Waiting © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A. 

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 2 5/16 " x 4 1/2 "

Hideaway © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A. 

 Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/4" x 3 1/4 "

Hideaway was inspired by a large tree I came across in a nearby park.  When I first saw it, I was so excited and knew I would be using elements of it in many works.  It has so much character in so many different views and seasons.  I've given the tree a door with a stairway as a means to reach it.  There is also another option for entry at the base of the tree.  I'm not sure if the snail is a visitor or a resident.  I think I'll let the viewer decide.  Hideaway is part of my series, Fantasy Trees.

This weekend I'll be delivering three of my miniatures, the Wood Nymph Fairies, for the 2012 Annual Miniature and Small Painting Show at Gallery North in Edmonds.

(Left to right), You Too Shall Have Wings,  Dreamer, and Moonbathing  

© Barbara A. Freeman

 Each work - Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

The show runs from March 1st to March 31st with an artist reception on March 4th. The show will be part of the Edmonds Art Walk, on March 15. Gallery North, 508 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 425-774-0946.  This show is packed with miniatures and small works in a wide variety of styles from many artists.  A real treat to feast your eyes on!  I'll be attending the reception on Sunday.  Hope to see you there! Support your LOCAL Artist!!

Now it's back to the drawing board getting new work finished for all the deadlines!!!  As always, thanks for taking the time to read about my work.

2011 Miniature Masterpieces and More! - Kaewyn Gallery - Bothell WA

 

Lost and Found © Barbara A. Freeman  

 Acrylic on Gessobord   5 7/8"x 5 7/8" 

Just Between You and Me  © Barbara A. Freeman 

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film  6"x 6"

Snail Tales © Barbara A. Freeman 

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 6"x 6"

The Miniature Masterpieces and More! show opens this Friday, December 2nd at Kaewyn Gallery in Bothell WA.  This year, all of my work in the show is from the series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities that I've been having so much fun with.  I'll have three small works, two drawings and one acrylic painting, which are the latest work in this series in the show.  They are shown above in their frames.  You can also view the work on my website by clicking on a title, or view all the work from this series together at, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities. In case you haven't read any of my previous blogs, the series all started when I needed to come up with something to enter in a local show called UNCLAD.  I needed a figure and knew for me it had to be placed in the forest so I came up with the wood nymph figure.  That one led to the next one having wings, when I used my version of the markings of a wood nymph butterfly.  I'm not sure how many more works I'll add to the series, but I know there are still a few (one is on my drawing board at this moment).  Also, the three framed miniatures below in this series, are in the show.  All my miniature art is under 25 inches square.  For further information on fine art miniatures, click on the link for the Association of Miniature Artists,  Miniature Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers Society of Washington D.C. and the Miniature Art Society of Florida.  I am a member of all three.

(Left to right), You Too Shall Have Wings,  Dreamer, and Moonbathing  

© Barbara A. Freeman

 Each work - Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Kaewyn Gallery is located in beautiful downtown Bothell at 10101 Main Street (google map).  They are open Tuesday - Thursday 10 to 6, Friday 10 - 5 and Saturday 10 - 4.   Don't miss Santa!!  He will be at the Gallery on Wed 10 - 2, Thurs 2 - 6 , Fri 1 - 5 and Sat 10 - 2!  It is my 5th year participating in this fine invitational show.  Each year I am amazed by all the beautiful work and look forward to seeing the show.  I hope you also get a chance to see it.  All work is for sale.  These small and miniature artworks make wonderful gifts that will be lasting treasures.  Support your local businesses and your local artists!  Thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Happy Holidays to all of my blogger friends and friends to be! 

* Kaewyn Gallery will be updating their website for this show soon.  

Group Show at Lowell Art Works - Three Miniature Works from the Wood Nymph Series

I 'm happy to be participating in the Juried Group Show,  "V" Years of LAW at Lowell Art Works, celebrating their 5th Anniversary!  My three fine art miniatures from the Wood Nymph Series will be in this exhibit.

Dreamer © Barbara A. Freeman

Fine Art Miniature, Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

 

Moonbathing © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

 

You Too Shall Have Wings © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

 
Lowell Art Works Five-Year Anniversary Celebration!  A juried show featuring artist friends old and new. Come celebrate this auspicious occasion with us! The show runs from August 20th – October 8th, 2011.  There will be an Opening Reception:  Saturday, August 20th, 2011,  4-9 PM (during Everett Art Walk)! Lowell Art Works is located at 5205 S. 2nd Ave, in Everett, WA  This will be one of their biggest, most dirverse and eclectic shows yet with over 140 works in a variety of media from over 35 artists!  This is a celebration of five years of frolicking on the fringe ... of Everett!!

LiveARTS Bothell Juried Show Acceptance

I've received my letter from the LiveARTS Bothell Juried Art Exhibit and the good news is... ALL my work has been juried in!  Below are the four works in the Miniature Art Category, including the new miniature painting, Mister Pelican, making his debut in this show. 

Mister Pelican © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic, 3 1/8" x 2"  Framed

Peek-a-Boo, © Barbara A. Freeman
Acrylic on Claybord, 3 5/8" x 3 5/8"  Framed

A Touch of Autumn, © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Polymin, 2 1/8" x 3 1/4"  Framed

Moonbathing © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Framed

My two larger works,  The Vernal Arrival of the Green Darner and The Wood Nymph are in the Drawing Category, both done in graphite and mixed media on film.  You can read about the two of them on this blog as a "work in progress" by clicking on each of their titles above.

The Vernal Arrival of the Green Darner © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 7" x 7"

The Wood Nymph © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 8 1/2" x 8"

The LiveARTS Bothell show will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th.  The venue is the same place as last year at the new Mobius Hall Gallery on the campus of Cascadia Community College and U.W. Bothell.  There will be a Patron Preview Party on Friday June 24th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with the awards presentation at 7:00. Please call for reservations at 425-398-0559 by June 10th. The college is located one mile east of downtown Bothell (directions and map here). The LiveARTS Bothell Art Fair is always great fun, with musical entertainment, great food and ART! There is free garage parking and the festival event will be in the inner courtyard of the wooded campus overlooking its 58-acre North Creek wetland.

This is a great community event and always lots of fun. I hope you can make it. Be sure to look for my work in the new Mobius Hall Gallery. The sun is going to shine that weekend!

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I know I said I was working on a new drawing in silverpoint and would blog about it as a work in progress as soon as I had it finished.  I can with relief say that I did finally get it finished today (Friday) in time to submit it to a local competition!  I will blog about it and show the steps I took, hopefully by Monday!  I need to download the photos, organize and put my watermark and copyright on them.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share a sneak peek image of it. 

Trio, Silverpoint Work in Progress © Barbara A. Freeman

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work and the shows I'm going to be in.   The sun has been out all day and it looks like a beautiful weekend here.  I hope you are all enjoying your spring or whatever your weather is, in what ever part of the universe you reside!

Another New Wood Nymph Miniature - UNCLAD 2011 and Gallery North Miniature Show Updates

I've just finished another Fine Art Miniature in the "Wood Nymph" Series. This one has a rather dreamy look to it, hence the title, Dreamer. I'm really enjoying creating figures in my work. I would not have attempted this had it not been the challenge of the UNCLAD show. I am so glad I submitted work to it! As all my "Wood Nymph" Series, this was done on Dura-lar Matte film with graphite, then colored pencil on the back side of the film and finished with Golden Interference color glazes on the wings, front side.

Dreamer © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Speaking of UNCLAD, you can see Janie Olsen and your's truly, in front of our work. I was so happy to see that Sharing Secrets had a big red dot on it when I arrived at the Artists' Reception!!! I also sold my miniature, Gathering the Morning Dew. Gayle Picken, owner of Gallery by the Bay, said my audio really helped with the sale of the work. The buyer was curious about the process and in my audio I explained how it all came together. The Wood Nymph and the other two, You Too Shall Have Wings and Moonbathing, fine art miniatures in the gift shop are still available. Janie was also very happy because her beautiful work, Lost Heart, sold on Sunday!

UNCLAD 2011 Barbara Freeman

with her two works, Sharing Secrets and The Wood Nymph

UNCLAD 2011 Janie Olsen and I together with our work.

A couple of photos of the artists' reception at UNCLAD 2011. The show continues until March 27th, with more events so if you haven't seen it, there is still time, - click UNCLAD 2011 for more information. It's a great show you won't want to miss. I'm already thinking about what I want to create for next year!


Tonight is the Edmonds' Art Walk and Gallery North in downtown Edmonds will be participating. I have three works in their . I was at the gallery during the opening reception and met up with artist friends, Eden Hopkins and Janie Olsen who also had work in the show. It was a fun time and there were lots of visitors to the gallery, all the work is for sale. This evening would be a great reason to go see it during the Edmonds' Art Walk! The show continues through the end of the month.

Gallery North - Eden Hopkins, Janie Olsen and Barbara Freeman

My next show will be the Mystical Realm Show at Happy Delusions in Renton, WA. I'll be blogging about that one soon. Until then...thanks for taking the time to read about my work.

"You Too Shall Have Wings" Fine Art Miniature - from the Wood Nymph Series

This is the third of my miniatures in the series of "Wood Nymph" drawings that will be in the gift shop at Gallery by the Bay during the UNCLAD show. This one, You Too Shall Have Wings, is of a male wood nymph. I wanted to have the male figure represented and chose this posture with him looking forward. Once I had the figure worked out, I still wasn't sure what I wanted him to be looking at. Then one night when I couldn't sleep, I remembered how beautiful the wood nymph caterpillar was. I loved its beautiful orange and black markings. I knew then that I had the focus for my figure.

You Too Shall Have Wings © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

You Too Shall Have Wings © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Framed

Moonbathing © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Framed

Gathering the Morning Dew © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Framed

All three of the framed miniature works together.

Sharing Secrets © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 6 1/2" x 9" Framed

The Wood Nymph © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 8 1/2" x 8" Framed

Above are all five of my framed works that will be on exhibit at Gallery by the Bay during the UNCLAD show. There will be an audio of my work so be sure to bring your cell phones to hear about how I created them, they are number 50 and 51. There will also be a magnifying glass available to view all the fine detail in each work. All five have been created in the same way, graphite drawings on Dura-lar Matte film, with colored pencil on the back and Golden Interference color glazes on the wings. You can read about them on earlier blog posts by clicking on "Wood Nymph". There will also be catalogs available at the gallery of all the works in the show. The UNCLAD Exhibit will run from March 12th through March 26th. Gallery by the Bay is now open 7 days a week, 11 am to 5 pm every day. They are located in Stanwood, 8700 271st NW. For more information, phone: 360.629.4297 or Email: gayle@gallerybythebay.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work. Mark your calendars, you are invited to experience the 10th Annual UNCLAD Art Show at Gallery by the Bay, featuring over 150 works of art by artists from across North America, a wonderful Gift Shop, a free Audio Tour, artist Demos, special Events, and all the energy, excitement and inspiration that comes when artists, friends and art enthusiasts gather to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of this unique community event. I hope you can make it! Support your local artist!

"Moonbathing" Fine Art Miniature - from the Wood Nymph Series

As promised, here is the second miniature in the series of "Wood Nymph" drawings. This is the final finished image below.  I will have it along with two other miniature works available in the gift shop at  Gallery by the Bay during the UNCLAD show, opening next week.

Moonbathing © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

This is the the initial drawing where I worked out the position of the body, especially the hands and feet, always the hardest for me!  At this point I wasn't sure where she was going to be, I just liked the posture.

I then transferred her to the Dura-lar Matte film and as shown above, where I placed her on a shelf-like ridge next to an opening in a tree.  I started the drawing on the top left.

Here is my set up with my mangnifier and tray of graphite pencils and tools.

In this photo you can see I've gotten fairly far along.  I've done the figure, face and hands.  The best part for me is the tree textures and values.  I love doing that part, so meditative!

You can see the shelf I've placed her on.  I was using the idea of fungus that you often see growing on trees.  Then I added the steps leading inside, which seemed to be the right thing to do.  I wanted to keep the flow moving to create the rhythm and lead your eyes around the work.

This is what the back looks like when I add colored pencil to it.  I used it for the wings, body and sky and a few touches where the night light shows on the steps.

When I had the opening in the tree, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it.  I had the choice of making it a view to a forest real or imaginary and then it just hit me that it would be great to have the moon and stars show through.  The circles in her wings repeat the shape of the moon and the colors set a mood.  I added glazes of Golden Interference Blue (fine) to the wings, the stars and the moon.  You can see I was excited about this one.  I am having so much fun with these imaginary creatures! I have one more finished miniature that I will be posting soon.  I will be delivering all my work for UNCLAD tomorrow and meeting up with my friend Janie Olsen.  Janie also has work, Lost Heart,  in the show. Her beautiful work has an interesting story behind it and you can hear Janie tell all about it with the audio tour by listening on your cell phone.  I also have audio for my works, Shared Secrets and The Wood Nymph, telling how I work on film.  I hope you can make it to the show!  It's going to be a great time.  Lots of fun things going on at the gallery and in the community.  Thank you for reading about my work and I hope you will return to see my next miniature in the wood nymph series.