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5 New Miniature Art Trends in the World Right Now

April 27, 2020

Let Me See... is a miniature acrylic painting by Lena Leitzke

By Chelsea Reed

It’s always inspiring to see new miniature pieces arrive in an art show. No matter what corner of the world they’re from, each piece shares a common story in some way or another. What story does miniature art tell about 2020 as the decade unfolds? It’s a powerful narrative of uncertainty, hope, and humility with ourselves. Let’s take a look at five miniature art trends that are emerging right now in the world.

1. Monochrome & Subtle Tones

Rainy Day in Prague is a miniature prismacolor pencil drawing by Colton Calhoun

Soft tones are comforting and help us connect to nature in a modern world. Monochrome tones bring elements of contrast and sophistication. Like a classic string of pearls or your favorite pair of jeans, these muted visuals are a welcome trend that will be around for a long time to come.

2. Up Close and Personal

There is so much to appreciate in fine details and close settings. They invite the viewer into an intimate scene that is honest and raw, but always beautiful. Miniature art is the perfect medium for this setting. You’ll see this trend gain momentum while transparency continues to be top of mind in today’s society.

3. Classic Blue

This timeless color is coming back to herald a new decade in the art industry. Its presence of calm and wonder encourages healthy mental exploration. Like contemplating the night stars or meditating by the ocean, classic blue reassures us to think big in an unknown future.

4. Vertical Portraits

About 5 billion people in the world own a cell phone now, and over half have a smartphone. That means selfies are much more commonplace than they were a decade ago. Likewise, portraits and vertical frames are gaining appeal in miniature art. Their personal size and portability share the familiar characteristics of a mobile device.

5. Optical Perception

The human mind has the remarkable ability to look for patterns in an image. That’s how we can recognize faces and objects. Art that plays with optical perception like abstract art does not have clear patterns. They provide interesting information to the brain and are attractive to look at. Like a stimulating ‘massage,’ we are compelled to slow down and ponder the ‘message’ behind the art. Some photographers and artists are exploring this adventurous trend, while others have been doing it for a long time.

A New Decade of Change

From deep ponderings of the future to personal reflection, 2020 is a year of change and perception for miniature art. Check out these trends for yourself during Seaside Art Gallery's International Miniature Art Show. Understanding how we perceive ourselves and the world through art can help us prepare for what’s ahead in the new decade… and the hope of a better tomorrow.

Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes online content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina.

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