Spring is “springing” here on Vancouver Island, and the sun is shining through the window, a simple pleasure for which I am deeply grateful. And though I’m staying home these days, my imagination is free to wander and take my paint brush with it.
Last summer, I took a walk along the Englishman River Estuary, near Parksville BC, and found this obliging bench to sit on, and just relax, and enjoy the view!
“A Good Place to Sit” (2.25 x 3.5 inches), acrylic on art board. This miniature painting features the lovely Englishman River Estuary near Parksville, BC.
A Good Place to Sit (2.25 x 3.5 inches), acrylic on art board.A Good Place to Sit (2.25 x 3.5 inches), acrylic on art board, with coin to show scale.
I’m pleased to share that my miniature paintings will now be available at Excellent FrameWorks – EJ Hughes Gallery! The gallery is moving into a new space located at 115 Kenneth St. in Duncan BC. You can also visit the gallery online to keep up with their latest news, shows and events. Looking forward to it!
Summer Walk (1.5 x 5.25 inches), acrylic on art board.
A Good Place to Sit (2.25 x 3.5 inches), acrylic on art board.
A Good Place to Sit (2.25 x 3.5 inches), acrylic on art board, with coin to show scale.
Sometimes I like to paint little people, or tiny creatures, into my landscapes. In this miniature painting titled “Tidal Pool”, the sharp-eyed observer will see that there are 10 tiny starfish lazing about on the rocks, some orange, some purple.
This painting is of a scene from Schooner Cove, near Tofino BC, on Vancouver Island.
“Tidal Pool” (3.5 x 2.5 inches), acrylic on art board.
Can you find ten tiny starfish, orange and purple, in this painting?
Many years ago I did a class project with my painting students, rendering the same image in both watercolor and acrylic. The purpose was to help folks learn to paint in miniature with their chosen medium, but I think that I learned the most from the experience; mainly that I am an acrylic painter at heart. That said, painting with watercolor was a terrific exercise and I have a deep respect for my fellow artists who work with watercolors. For those who are interested, here is a quick progression of steps for that learning project:
Finished miniature painting (approx. 3 x 4 inches)
Here is another scene from the lovely Englishman River area near Parksville BC on Vancouver Island. This miniature painting is titled “Overlooking the Falls” and measures 5.25 x 1.5 inches and is painted with acrylic on art board. I’m including a photo with a coin to show scale.
“Overlooking the Falls” (miniature painting 5.25 x 1.5 inches small)
Happy New Year! Starting things off with a new little painting titled “River Rocks”. This is a scene from Englishman River Falls in Parksville BC, a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.
Water is a favourite subject of mine to paint. The way it moves, the colours and the volume of it, as well as objects in it, offer an excellent challenge for painting!
“River Rocks” (measures 1.5 x 5.25 inches), acrylic on art board.
The year is winding down and the holidays are fast approaching, which – ideally – means less painting and more eggnog!
I’d like to give a great big THANK YOU!! to everyone who has taken time to visit this site over the last year. Thanks for your support and kind comments, your kindness is greatly appreciated. Happy holidays folks, stay safe and see you next year!
This tiny miniature painting is of a scene along the Ridge Meadows Dykes in Maple Ridge BC. A beautiful spot for a frosty morning walk.
This little mini titled: “Shack Island” (2 x 4.5 inches), will be a part of the third annual miniature art show presented by Excellent Frameworks located in Duncan BC. The show opens this Saturday, Nov. 30th, from 12pm – 3pm, and features a wonderful collection of tiny artworks, so please stop by if you are in the area and see these little gems!
This miniature painting is of Shack Island, located near Pipers Lagoon Park in Nanaimo BC. The park is terrific with pathways, beach and a beautiful lagoon. Shack Island is a lovely spot to walk out to when the tide permits.
Shack Island (a tiny 2 x 4.5 inches), acrylic on art board.
“Spring” (miniature painting 1.5 x 1 inches small)
“Autumn” (miniature painting 1.5 x 1 inches small)
A series of seasonal paintings, these tiny miniatures are heading to the 11th Annual Small Works show at Gallery 8 on Salt Spring Island. The opening reception is this Friday, Nov. 22, at 5pm and the show runs thru to Dec. 31st. Some of my smallest works, these little guys measure approximately 1.5 x 1 inch in size.
I’d like to give a big thank you to Susan Schaefer of the Island Arts Magazine for the feature about miniature painting in the upcoming winter issue. This is a terrific magazine focused on the arts in the Vancouver Island area with many great reads and information inside. You can find more info about the Island Arts Magazine on FB and at the website: http://www.islandartsmag.ca Thank you!
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