Let Me Introduce Myself

Thank you for visiting my blog! I am an artist living in Sherwood, Oregon, which is just south of Portland. I studied art history in the early 1980's but never considered myself a studio artist. Over the years I attempted a few large paintings (i.e.: 36"x48") for friends and family, but they were much more struggle than joy, and I was less than satisfied with the results.
I did discover water-soluble oil paints while working large and found they worked quite well for me. I liked the ease of clean up, not only of my brushes and equipment but of clothes, tables, carpet, etc. When you aren't using terpentine but water, the fumes are a lot easier to take indoors, too.
In March of 2007 I dusted off my paints, and after becoming frustrated with my work on an 11x14 canvas, I tried a quick little sketch, about one inch square, to end the day on a more positive note. I was so pleased with the outcome! It was much better than anything I'd done till then, and I enjoyed doing it.
The next day I raced home for work, marked a sheet off in tiny rectangles, and blissfully painted one image after another. I began researching miniature painting and found a competitions and shows of these small works, even one about a three-hour drive away. I made it there about five minutes after the doors were closed on the final day. I stood outside pressing my nose against the glass, and when somebody came out I uncharacteristically walked in through the opened door.
Standing in that gallery I was hooked. Each framed painting was a little jewel, a tiny world unto itself. I lost myself in one after another: landscapes, wildlife, portraits, still life. I was amazed at the skill of execution and delighted by the accessibility. On my drive home I set a goal to be accepted into this juried show the following spring.
That is how I began my involvement in miniature art. It took awhile to find out what distinguishes a true "miniature" from just a small painting, and to find a welcoming and open community of miniaturists from around the world. It seems that this is a growing specialty. For me, there are so many things associated with it to study and try. I've had some success, some disappointments, but never a lapse of interest. I hope I can excite you about these little jewels as well!