(The Guardians - a Miniature Fine Art Painting meeting the criteria of the AMA as a classical Miniature)

What is a Miniature Painting? - A very brief Explanation.

Many people are under the misconception that a miniature painting is just a "small" format piece of art. In fact for centuries it has been revered as tiny masterpieces, treasures to remember a loved one, or manuscript decorum meticulously rendered by monks. As with all great art forms, the art of Miniature painting has evolved into one of the most exciting venues in art collecting. The Miniature Painting should have all the elements of large works of art, detail of subject and background, expression and emotion, all executed onto the diminutive canvas. The viewer at times must use the aid of a magnifying glass to reveal all it's secrets. Today's master works must withstand considerable enlargement and still retain it's detail and classical techniques. Painstaking attention is paid by today's Miniature artists with tiny brush and magnifying glass to produce nothing less then a masterpiece. A Gem of the Classical art world that can be held in one's hand. To see and hold one of these treasures will create a collector out of anyone who loves true classical art.

The definition of "Small Works"

Small works is an art form that is gaining popularity. A miniature can be a small work but many small works do not qualify as miniatures. A Small Work is typically a painting 8x10 or under and may encompass any painting style while a fine art miniature is defined as a classically and technically refined art form 25 inches in diameter of under.

The difference between a Fine Art  Miniature and "Painting in Miniature Style"

In order to define our genre and be able to provide continuity to Miniature artists for shows and gallery/museum forums there must be a definition of what a fine art miniature is. There is a difference between a fine art miniature and painting in miniature style. Historically there has been two correct definitions of what  miniature painting really is. One defines a small precise painting most often depicting portraits and book manuscripts. The other defines the style of painting in miniature where the technique of minute detail is used on larger paintings. Both definitions are historically correct and today we define a miniature fine art painting as a painting fitting the 25 square inch restraints and "To paint in miniature style" the utilizing of the techniques of painting traditional miniature paintings within larger sizes. 

(The Country Gentleman - a 11x17 inch gouache Fine Art Painting painted in "Miniature Style". Much of this painting was painted with the aid of magnification to execute precise detail in the same manner a Fine Art Miniature would have been painted. detail below)

The below is the Miniature definition provide by the AMA.

Guidelines from the AMA " Association of Miniature Artists"

AMA Guidelines: While the AMA recognizes and encourages individuality, experimentation and future changes in the miniature art movement the AMA exists to provide a common ground among members especially in the context of defining their work to the public. As a member of the AMA you choose to agree with the following statements:

 1. Given the historical foundation of traditional miniature art, I will strive to understand it better for the promotion, preservation and advancement of the art form.

2. Given the perplex multiple definitions of the term Miniature today, I choose to adhere to the following tenets to describe and distinguish traditional miniature work and when possible, will adhere to them in creating, displaying, and marketing artwork as a ‘miniature’:

•Minute in scale vs. life sized. For practicality following the general 1/6th scale for my work sent to formal miniature exhibitions and shows.

•Delicate and painstaking technique that withstands magnification.

•Small in format and size. 25 inches or less for surface area. Sculpture should fit inside an 8″x8″x8″ cube including the base.

•High in quality. The work should exemplify Fine Art ~ demonstrating a mastery of composition, color, values etc.

3. Given my concern for the future of the miniature art form I will do my best to educate artists and the public about the historical and current miniature art movement, contribute work to the exhibitions and volunteer when possible with the existing societies, shows and online forums as interaction with fellow artists is key to better understanding and continued advancement of the genre. My membership in the AMA will continue as long as I work in the miniature art genre and adhere with the statements and tenets.

Some interesting History about Miniatures

Miniature Portraiture, How it began in the US.