Two More Shows in June

 Top left to right - Dreamer  -   Catchin' Some Rays

Bottom - A Private Residence  -  More Salmon Please

© Barbara A. Freeman

Pictured above are my four miniatures that have been juried in this years LiveARTS Bothell Art Festival.  The festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th from 10am to 6pm.  The venue is the same place as last year, 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 22nd, from 5:30 to 8pm, along with an awards presentation. Tickets are $10 which include 2 glasses of wine, appetizers and live music.  You can make your reservations online at www.liveartsbothell.org. The college is located one mile east of downtown Bothell (directions and map here).

The LiveARTS Bothell Art Fair is a FREE event and always great fun, with musical entertainment, great food and ART! It takes place in the inner courtyard of the wooded campus overlooking its 58-acre North Creek wetland.  There is also free garage parking! Just follow the signs for a weekend of fun in Bothell!

A Private Residence  © Barbara A. Freeman

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

Just for Fun Art Contest at Wise Design

Also during the month of June, my work, Snail Tales will be part of the first ever,  Just For Fun Art Contest at Wise Design.   My work along with other local artists will be in the Hewitt display window of Wise Design.

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

Congratulations to the three winners, First prize, Janie Olsen, and the two runners up, Shannon Danks and Shawn Southwick, whose work will be displayed in the main gallery.   Wise Design is located at 2908 Wetmore Ave, Everett WA.  The show will be part of the Everett Art Walk, June 16th, 4 -7pm, along with a reception for the Just For Fun Art Contest Show and for a charity show that will also be hanging in the main gallery.  Hope you can make it to this fun event!  Check out the Everett Art Walk and stop in Wise Design for the show.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read about my work and the shows I'll be participating in.  Whatever you do this summer, be sure to check out the local art scene and all the great art festivals!  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!

Photos of Parklane Gallery's 20th Annual Miniature Show

Parklane Gallery, Kirkland WA

130 Park Lane, Kirkland WA

May 8th to June 3rd 2012

Online Miniature Gallery Link

My friend, artist Janie Olsen (left) and I.

Janie's husband, Bill checking out the work.

Janie and I trying to ignore Wayne taking our photo.

Unfortunately, there was a lot of glare.  It was a sunny evening (really it's true!) and between the spot lighting and the sunshine pouring in the windows, it was a bit difficult to get clear photos.  Hopefully you can see enough to recognize your work if you are in the show.  If you live near enough, you will want to make sure to see this show in person.  There is nothing like seeing these treasures in front of your eye and even better under magnification!  The show continues through June 3rd.  It will be open during the Kirkland Studio Tour during Mothers' Day Weekend and will be part of the Kirkland Artwalk.  Once again the work can be purchased via Parklane Gallery's Website.  They are located at 130 Park Lane, Kirkland WA.  This is a very popular show and one not to be missed! 

Parklane Gallery's 20th Annual Miniature Art Show

** Welcome to My Warren  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 21/2" x 4 1/2"

 
 I delivered my four miniatures to Parklane Gallery in Kirkland on Sunday and to my surprise, on Monday morning the show was already up online!  That's fast work!  Thanks to the folks at Parklane and Larey McDaniel, the photographer!  More exciting news, the work will be available for purchase on their website on May 9th!  Now, not only can you view the work, you can also put it in your shopping cart!  You can view the show and my four works on their website, Parklane Gallery Miniature Show.  My works are number 354A, Welcome to My Warren, 354B, Keeping Watch, 354C, Early Autumn, and 354D, Last of the Season . 

 (top) Welcome to My Warren and Keeping Watch, 

(bottom) Early Autumn and Last of the Season  © Barbara A. Freeman

The 20th Annual International Juried Miniature Show opens May 8th and runs to June 3rd.  The Artists' Reception and Awards Presentation is May 11th from 6 to 8 pm.  There are over 400 works from some of the top Fine Art Miniaturists from all across the country and abroad.  Magnifying glasses are provided and closer looks are encouraged!

This is a local show for me and I will be attending the reception. Once again, my husband Wayne will take photos of the show and reception for me which I will post here on my blog and several miniature art forums. I am honored to be a part of this show. If you have never seen a miniature show in person and are in the area, this is a perfect opportunity! I hope to see you there.

**  Welcome to My Warren is framed in the gold frame shown, top image.  Originally I framed it in the black frame (as in the grouping above) because it went well with the rest in the series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities.  However, when I checked the prospectus for the dimensions allowed in the show, the black frame was a tad too large. When re-framing, I decided to use the gold frame which I think looks very nice with the gold in her wings. 

So many shows entered, and now I wait for the notices to come to see if all my submissions have been accepted.  I'll be posting the results as I receive them for the Edmonds Arts Festival, LiveARTS Bothell and a few others.  Thanks for taking the time to read this.  Happy Mothers' Day!

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!

New Feline Fine Art Miniatures

With so many show deadlines fast approaching, I've been in my studio painting away, focusing on  creating new miniature works.  My two new miniature feline paintings are both done in acrylic on Strathmore 500 series Illustration Board.  They are my first cat paintings and I loved painting them, especially their eyes!  These two boys are brothers, (Sid top - Sam bottom) and share space with my Mom and Dad in Florida.  On my visit there last year, I did my best to try and photograph them.  I have to say photographing them was like trying to photograph a moving target.  Get out my camera and they were gone! Sis did like to show off after a while, but Sam was shy and liked to hide under things.  It was really fun to paint them.

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

Acrylic on Illustration Board  2" x 2 "

More Salmon, Please © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

Acrylic on Illustration Board  2" x 2 "

I have two more miniature paintings finished that need to be varnished before I unveil them.  In addition, I'm hoping to finish two more.  Because of the all the detail and fine tuning, these miniatures take a lot of time! Unfortunately, I may not have as many miniatures for the spring/summer shows this year as in the past.  The rest of March and April will be very busy so I may not be blogging as often as I would like.  Much of my time beside creating new miniatures will be taken up with framing, doing paperwork for entering shows, etc.  There is also a family visit scheduled that will include some travel time.  I do hope you will check back to see my new work.  I'll be posting about the spring shows that my work will be in as soon as I know.  As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by.  I hope you have a great 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.

News - Now Signature Member of Miniature Artists of America!

I received a phone call from the Vice President, P.R. of the Miniature Art Society of Flordia, Kay Petryszak, who is also President of the Miniature Artists of America, (MAA).  I have been selected to become a MAA Signature Member!  I didn't know I was in the Candidates Circle!  To become a candidate there are a number of things that have to happen and I must have done them.  I thank all the jurors for voting me in!  It is such an honor to be in this outstanding organization.

The MAA has a traveling show for educational purposes that I will be submitting one of my works to be in when the show changes.  The show is for educational purposes and available at no cost to museums and gallerys for exhibit.  There is more information on their website about the traveling show here: MAA Traveling Exhibit.  I saw the MAA show last year when it was on exhibit along with the Miniature Art Society of Florida show.  The work was exquisite!  To think that one of my works will be included is beyond fantastic!

I have just finished a new miniature painting, and I'll post it after it's varnished.  I have many new works that I need to do for the upcoming shows, so I may not be very active here.  Until then, my next show in March will be the 2012 Annual Miniature and Small Painting Show at Gallery North in Edmonds, where I'll be submitting my three Wood Nymph Fairies.  I will have more information on the show coming soon.  

On another note...We've had some beautiful weather so on Saturday we went to the Nature Conservancy event at Port Susan Bay Preserve to see the eagles.  The land at Port Susan Bay is not usually open so it was a real treat to walk around the wetlands trail and look through the viewing stations that were set up.  Then on Sunday we drove to British Columbia to see the snowy owls.  We were NOT disappointed!  They were beautiful and close enough to photograph.  It was an amazing site.  We also saw a great variety of birds over the weekend, northern harriers, eagles (mature and sub-adult), short eared owls, many herons, ducks and song birds.  We're new to the birding experience and it's so much fun.  We had a great time hiking, taking photos and enjoying all the beauty and wonder!  I'm sorry I didn't get to meet my fellow blogging friend, Canadian artist, Wendy Mould who was also checking out the snowys, she was there at sunrise.  

Now it's back to catching up on all the domestic things I've put off (ugh) and creating some new miniatures (yay)!  Thank you for taking the time to read about my great news and new adventures. 

New Work - "First Encounter"

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

Here she is, my latest river siren placed in a Pacific Northwest landscape.  This time I've given her a frog to keep her company.  The frog was inspired from one I spotted while on a hike at Lake 22  in the North Cascades.  Like most of my work in this series, Wood Nymphs and Other Curiosities, this drawing was done in graphite on film, with colored pencil on the reverse side.  Lastly, back to the front with a thin glaze of interference violet on her tail and a few other places to add a bit of sparkle.

 Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae)

Lake Twentytwo - North Cascades  2011/07

The frog is a Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae), this one was camera shy but I did manage to get this photo of him.

Below are a few photos of the work as it progressed and then the final scanned image again at the end. I really enjoyed creating this piece.  I love drawing trees and rocks so that part was meditation for me.  The tree branches and water were another story! I think the most difficult part of the work was the water.  By the time I got that far, I was ready to be finished!  Getting a  good range of values to read as water wasn't easy.  There was so much going on with the patterns and textures in the rocks and wood that I wanted to make that area quiet.  I needed to show some rocks under the surface and on the edge as well as the quiet movement of the water near the shore without making it too active.  

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

My intention was to create a space in which to be calm and perhaps ponder what will happen next, after the First Encounter.

Now it's on to the next project, creating fine art miniatures for all the spring shows.  Those deadlines are fast approaching!   I'm hoping to have work, fine art miniatures and larger work, in the following shows:

March   Gallery North - Edmonds, WA (miniatures and small works show)
April  Seaside Art Gallery, Nags Head, NC  (miniatures only show)
May  Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA  (miniatures only show)
June  Edmonds Arts Festival, Edmonds, WA  (juried art festival which includes a miniature category) 
June  LiveARTS Bothell, Bothell, WA  (juried art festival which includes a miniature category)
Spring  UNCLAD, Stanwood, WA  (Date coming, rescheduled for the spring)  (Unclad (nude) Figure Show)

I will announce any new shows I'll have work in on this blog as they approach and new work when completed so please do check back.  As always I thank you for taking  the time to read about my work.   It may be winter now, but fear not! spring will be here before you know it!

"River Siren" - New Work

This is my latest work, just put the finishing touches on it today.   The substrate is drafting film.  I do the graphite drawing on one side, then turning the film over, add colored pencil on the back in selected areas. Once finished to my satisfaction, I used a very thin interference violet acrylic paint on the front on the tail and a bit of gold on her ear/fin tip.  I think using the color sparsely,  gives the work an antique look.  I had fun creating the waves in the water and repeating that in her tail and hair.  I've included a few photos of the work as it progressed.  This is the final scanned image, it appears on my website without the watermark.  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.

River Siren   © Barbara A. Freeman 

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 6"x 9"

Happy Holidays to all my blogger friends!  The Winter Solstice is just around the corner and I know I'll be happy to see the days lengthen!  Happy New Year and I hope YOURS will be filled with wonderful things!!  Thanks for taking the time to read about my work!  

Just a note - I still have work showing locally at Miniature Masterpieces and More, Kaewyn Gallery in Bothell, till January 25th, Lowell Art Works in Everett until January 14th,  and if you are near Washington, D.C., I have work in the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society and that show runs until December 30th.  Opening on January 15th, the MASF show runs until February 5th and I have five miniatures in that show.