Some of my tiniest miniature paintings, these eight little pieces were done for a show a few years ago and, when I can go out treasure hunting again, I hope to find more of these little antique frames. Each tiny painting measures approximately 2 x 1.5 inches in size, all are painted with acrylic on hardboard.
Painting the landscape in such a small format offers a good challenge technically as well as visually. My hope is that each painting presents itself as a tiny portal to another place offering a glimpse, if you will, of something lovely.
These two miniature paintings are from the Englishman River area near Parksville BC, a terrific spot for a cool break on a hot day, or a hike in the woods. I’ve been working through a series of paintings featuring this lovely area, and “Englishman River” is a very similar sister painting to one I did in January.
I’d have to say that painting river rocks with moving water, or still water, in fact – any kind of water – is my favourite subject to paint. I’m looking forward to the beautiful parks in my area opening again so I can revisit these wonderful landscapes, both in the moment, and later in the studio.
Englishman River (5.25 x 1.5 inches) with coin for scale. Acrylic on art board.
Englishman River (5.25 x 1.5 inches). Acrylic on art board.
Englishman River Falls (5.25 x 1.5 inches), with coin for scale. Acrylic on artboard.
Englishman River Falls (5.25 x 1.5 inches). Acrylic on art board.
In this extremely challenging time, I’m deeply grateful more than ever to lose myself in a beautiful landscape, if only with my paintbrush for the time being. Over the last twenty years I have taken thousands of photos, always hoping for a few gems, to use as reference for my miniature paintings. And with the creation of each painting, I can again visit the place where I was first inspired to pause and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
I hope that sharing these paintings will offer some little bit of joy to others as well, even if just a brief respite from the difficulties we are facing.
Forest Meadow (3 x 2 inches), acrylic on art board, with coin for scale.
Forest Meadow (3 x 2 inches), acrylic on art board.
Peaceful Shore (2 x 3 inches), acrylic on art board.
These two miniature paintings are a part of the 28th annual show: The Art of the Miniature XXVIII, presented by the Snow Goose Gallery in Bethlehem, PA. The show features an incredible selection of miniature artwork, and can be viewed on-line.
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?
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.
“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!
Tiffany Hastie Art 
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