Seaside Art Gallery's 22nd Annual International Miniature Art Show

The 22nd Annual International Miniature Art Show at Seaside Art Gallery is happening online now.  I look forward to this show every year.  It's always exciting to see the wonderful variety of art from artists all across the globe. 

Above are my three works in the show, shown in their frames.  The top two, Dreamer and You Too Shall Have Wings, were done in graphite and mixed media on film and are both from my series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities. Below them is my new work, Ol' Blue Eyes, using colored pencil on a new substrate called TerraSkin.

Dreamer © 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"

Ol' Blue Eyes © Barbara A. Freeman

Colored Pencil  3" x 3"

The miniature, Ol' Blue Eyes was inspired by the beautiful white geese we saw at the Evergreen State Fair last year.  It was the beautiful blue eyes surrounded by the orange lid that did it!  It is an Embden goose which is one of the most common breeds of geese in the United States. Guess I never got close enough to their beautiful eyes to appreciate them.  I used colored pencils with a different substrate, called TerraSkin, which you can find out more about by clicking on the name.  TerraSkin is not paper made from trees, but from stone, using no water!  I wanted to try it because I read that it accepted silverpoint really well, but it works really nicely with all mediums! There may be more use of this in the future!

This great show is a favorite of mine. I love the presentation of the entire show online. Sadly, this year their website was hacked!  They are in the process of creating a new website which will be up in time for the show on May 1st.  When Seaside's site is up, this post will link to their site as well as to my work in their online gallery.  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 Dreamer, You Too Shall Have Wings or Ol' Blue Eyes to see my work on Seaside's online gallery.  *(Links will not work until after Seaside Gallery's website is up.)

Seaside Art Gallery's show is one of the top five national miniature shows that you can see in person and online.  This year the exhibition runs from May 1^st through June 1^st,  2013. The Open Reception is May 25^th 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.  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. I 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

Work juried in the 34th Annual Arts of the Terrace 2012

I'm happy to announce that my two drawings, The Wood Nymph and Snail Tales, (from the series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities) and my four miniatures, Gold and Glory, Keeping Watch, Undaunted, and You Too Shall Have Wings, have been juried into the 34th Annual Arts of the Terrace at Mountlake Terrace. The show will kick off on September 28th, with the Artists and Patrons Preview from 7 to 9 pm with the Awards Ceremony at 7:30. Then, on September 29th through October 7th, 2012 the show is open to the public, Monday to Thursday, 12:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm,  and Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Wood Nymph  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 8 1/2" x 8"

Snail Tales  © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 6" x 6"
  

Gold and Glory ©Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Art Board 2" x 2"

Keeping Watch  ©Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film  3 1/4" x 3 1/4"

Undaunted © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Illustration Board 2" x 2"

You Too Shall Have Wings © Barbara A. Freeman

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

The exhibit takes place at the Mountlake Terrace Library Complex, (map), 23300 58th Avenue W., Mountlake Terrace, WA. I really like this show and it is always a fun reception. Come enjoy painting, prints, calligraphy, drawings, miniatures, photography and 3-dimensional works by top local and regional artists. I look forward to another exciting venue to exhibit my work. I have several aritist friends in this show, so it's going to be a fun time with great art viewing. All work is for sale, so come on out and support your local artist!!

55th Annual Edmonds Arts Festival Work Accepted

Good news this morning via email for the 55th Annual Edmonds Arts Festival!  My two drawings and four miniatures I submitted for the show were accepted!  Woo Hoo!  Now that's the way to start a Monday morning!

Afghan Kitty © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

Acrylic on Illustration Board  2" x 2 "

Peek-a-Boo, © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Claybord, 3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Gold and Glory ©Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Art Board 2" x 2"

You Too Shall Have Wings © Barbara A. Freeman

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

My four works juried in the Miniatures Category are, Afghan Kitty, Peek-A-Boo, Gold and Glory, and You Too Shall Have Wings. The two works juried in the Drawing Category, First Encounter and The Wood Nymph are both from the series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities.

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

The Wood Nymph  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 8 1/2" x 8"

The Edmonds Arts Festival is one of the longest running in the Northwest, and a great time for the whole family. The Juried Art Show will be inside the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds,WA (map here). In addition to the indoor juried show, there is also the outdoor Arts Festival with food, music and artists' booths on the lawn. This fun festival takes place on Fathers' Day weekend, June 15th through the 17th.  I'll be adding more news about the festival as it draws nearer, so mark your calendars for this fun filled art weekend in beautiful Edmonds, WA!

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!!

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!