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.