Classes & Events - Event View

Inspired by the Microcosm Exhibit here at OPAL earlier this year, as well as the Angela Kauffman Gallery which has monthly shows of miniature artworks, this workshop is an introduction to working in miniature with mixed media. We will create a series of six 1:12 scale pieces, ranging from 1” - 4” in width/length. The history of working in miniature goes back centuries and throughout many cultures all over the world, and it is having a renaissance now in the 2020’s. Historically miniatures are known for precision and intricate detail, and while that is certainly an option in this class, we are focusing more on the creative possibilities when working within such tiny spaces. Those possibilities involve designing impactful compositions, working with value contrast, and incorporating different materials and techniques to create intimate, engaging tiny worlds within each piece. We will also work with different surfaces, including paper, canvas and wooden boards and clay boards. This will be an exploration of drawing, painting, collage, and image transfer (much like my regular mixed media classes), creating layered pieces with depth, and working in a series in order to bounce back and forth between pieces all day. Students are welcome to come with an idea of their subject matter, or you might want to let it evolve intuitively as we go, or I will have a still life you might draw inspiration from for your series. The beauty of mixed media is that all of these are options in this workshop, and the possibilities are endless. There is a list of required materials for you to bring, and the instructor will supply all the surfaces and supplemental materials.