By Chelsea Reed
The sheer tiny scale of miniature art has made it a favorite romantic medium for centuries. Did you know that nobles in the Renaissance would send miniature portraits of each other as a way to help choose suitor prospects? The act of holding an adorably tiny portrait in your hand up close is the perfect way to depict a romantic theme. Below are some of our favorites.
1. Upper Section of Whitewater Falls by Wes Siegrist, Opaque Watercolor
Finding a secluded spot at a waterfall is one of the most romantic locations you can get, whether you’re on a date with your special someone or simply find the environment inspiring for romance. The Upper falls in Cashiers, NC are a popular destination spot, with the Lower Falls in SC a more remote spot that takes about an hour to descend on the hiking trail.
2. Hugging Elephant Style by Beverly Abbott, Oil on Ivorine
What a marvel how a heartfelt moment from two of the largest land mammals on earth is expressed in such a mighty way from a miniature painting! Each stroke carefully conveys the deep lifelong connection of elephants that inspire the common saying, “an elephant never forgets.”
3. Music Lovers by Sue Wall, Acrylic
It looks like this piano player has a captive audience! A lovely gift for both music and cat lovers alike, this adorable mini carries a whimsical atmosphere in a slice of life moment from the pet owner’s perspective. The pastel colors convey lots of clean bright light from the colorful stained glass window.
4. Salt River Wild Horses by Sun Baer, Oil Painting
Did you know Corolla isn’t the only place with wild horses? Hundreds of mustangs roam free in the canyons and mountains out West, including those at Salt River in Arizona. The romantic impressionistic style captures what the herds have looked like in their natural habitat since the 1600s. We love the tender nudge of these two equines in the serenity of the glistening river!
5. Vacation Mode by Debra Kierce, Charcoal Drawing
Taking the opportunity to push the pause button on life is so important in today’s hectic world. This blissful charcoal art brings us a timely reminder to cherish every moment with your loved ones. The couple in black and white communicate that timeless photographed portrait feeling. The peaceful seaside environment champions the intimate moment. Happy pastel colors from the sun and the flowering tree at the corners satisfy the rule of thirds and focus on what is happening at the center.
Find more breathtaking miniature art in Seaside Art Gallery’s exciting International Miniature Art Show, which is coming soon next month! You can take a sneak peek of what’s coming to the show before anyone else here. Who knows, you might even find something to surprise your special someone!
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.
If you've ever turned over a piece of jewelry and noticed a tiny stamp reading 925, you may have wondered what it means. Is it real silver? Is it valuable? And what's the difference between sterling, coin silver, and pure silver?
At the heart of the etching genre lies its mastery of intricate detail, the kind that’s perfect for depicting illustrations and the lives of people across the ages in candidness and accuracy.
An award-winning master artist, teacher, and wildlife enthusiast, David Hunter enjoys demonstrating the craft of depicting animals and the great outdoors in his etchings. His wonderful interpretations of the Outer Banks are no exception, and they often herald the celebration of classic American summers and their natural settings.
