Tips for Creating Miniature Art

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Contributed By: Karen Wiggill

When thinking of miniature art, it would seem quite obvious that an artist would need to be extremely detailed and be able to work really small, but there are some tips to help you along and some of these have been gathered from esteemed miniature artists. As mentioned before, Miniature Art is NOT a small painting, so these tips and tricks should guide you along in your miniature journey.

  • Small light strokes
  • Using very fine brushes and the smallest you can manage, ideally 5(0) or 00000. If using pencils, make sure they are as sharp as possible. Use a blade and then sharpen further on a sandpaper block.
  • Use the best equipment you can afford.
  • Surface – as smooth as possible. Hot- Pressed paper is a smooth paper. Polymin, vellum and ivorine are other options that are extremely smooth.
  • Miniature art is a very traditional art form, so there are rules and regulations that guide the selection process for an exhibition. This is important, as it ensures a high standard is maintained, both locally and internationally. Read these rules carefully and apply them.
  • Take note what judges will look for
    • Impact
    • Originality of idea, concept or image
    • Composition
    • Detail in the work – sharpness of observation
    • Accuracy of images and correct proportion
    • Does the picture create a mood?
    • Subtlety and/or strength of colour/tonal value and contrast
    • Skill in handling the fineness of brushstrokes
    • Good tonal values
    • Suitability of the frame – it should enhance your work. It should be covered neatly at the back – I use scrapbook card, which is acid free. Small screw eyes and thin copper wire is used for hanging
    • Your signature must be small, neat and unobtrusive.

In other words, the image, frame and mount are viewed as a unit. Work can be rejected because of a poor mount or frame. You also need to remember that miniature paintings are not small paintings, which means that the style is very detailed, and much tighter.

When you are ready to attempt a miniature, Eileen Bass recommends starting with a good line drawing. Chrysoula Argyros says that good observation is key and preferably being familiar with the subject you are going to paint or draw, as you will more easily be able to pick up mistakes.

Chrysoula also suggests working from a reference that will be the same size as your completed miniature.

In summary, Miniature Art Society of South Africa founder Charmian Keneally stated – “It is not difficult – see it as a fascinating challenge and have fun”.

Karyn Wiggill is the Secretary of the Miniature Art Society of South Africa and has won numerous accolades across the globe with her miniature work.

For more information, and to join MASSA, visit their website:

The Miniature Art Society of SA

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