by judge: Tony Craig
First place: Whispered Secrets by Luann Houser
The rendering on this painting is exceptional at this size, and just enough consideration has been given to the background to keep it interesting without competing with the foreground elements. The colors are vibrant and the confidence of this artist shines through. The connection between the girl and the horse makes it more than just a study, there’s a depth to the concept of this piece. The emotion in this painting and the technical prowess of the artist are why it made my top choice.
Second place: Zebra Crossing by Morgane Antoine
This is a very dynamic piece that had me coming back to it repeatedly for closer and closer inspection. The minute details of the zebra’s stripes are intricate and excellently handled and there is a definite feeling of action and something happening here. The conviction needed to obscure that hard work by painting water splashes over the top (and well done) makes this one a winner. Finally, the choice of the frame color sends it up another notch.
Third place: Golden Tresses by Markissia Touliatos
This piece would fall well into the realism era of art due to the masterful rendering of the sleeping figure. It seems simple without obvious extraneous detail, until you start scrutinizing the rendering more closely. The blush on the cheek is perfect, and the gold highlights within the pillows sparkle as light moves across the painting. The girl’s hair has been softened to the point of just enough without losing the forms of it. Overall, a well-designed and well painted masterpiece.
Honorable mention: Nyhaven, Copenhagen by Harold E. Hansen
The subject matter and the chosen angle of the figures are what drew me to this one. I like the fact that you can’t see their faces, and you wonder what they might be talking about. Is that their boat (presumably it is). Are they starting their day or is it coming to an end? The design of placing the light figures over the dark shadow of the boat is an excellent choice that puts the viewer’s eye right where it should be before letting the other details be discovered. Also, I like very much the rendering of the boat and water, and the depth the perspective of the wall railing provides.
Best watercolor/gouache: Checkerspot Butterflies by Bonnie Latham
Definitely a great choice of subject matter and size for this well-balanced miniature. The colors are kept subtle- I would imagine this could have easily gotten garish, but Bonnie’s color sense is good here. The butterflies seem like they could fly out of the frame at any moment. The frame is a really wonderful addition to this piece.
Best oil/acrylic: Mourning Cloak and the Green Man by Andrew Hutchinson
Honest, I don’t have a thing for Lepidoptera! The contrast between the smooth rendering of the butterfly and the stippled pointillist approach to the stone figure made this one stand out to me. It also seems a bit mysterious, and if you believe in the rule of thirds, that butterfly is placed on this painting for maximum impact. I think this is one you could come back to and find something new each time.
Best drawing/colored pencil: Winter Arrives by Karen Romine
This one rises to the top for me because of the obvious skill with the medium of colored pencils, the subtlety of the out of focus background, and the masterful rendering of the cardinal. Just enough detail to keep it interesting and the anatomy seems spot on.
Best graphic: Florence Lamp by Viviane DeKosinsky
There is a lot to be said for keeping it simple. This reminds me (not exactly) of the work of Patrick Caulfield from the 1960s. Bold black outlines contrasting with large negative areas and just enough color to make it work. If there was another color added to this I don’t think it would be as good as it is. This one is a striking piece for sure.
Best sculpture: Lake Dancers- Grebes by Paul Eaton
This courtship dance makes for a great setup of a sculpture. Again, something is happening here. It’s not a static moment. The tiny details on the fish are great and the handling of the birds is phenomenal.
Best other media: Eastern Water Dragon by Claire Russell
What a cool way to present this animal. Applying gold leaf to the back of the glass and then drawing the reptile in reverse- wow, something I’d not seen done before. Definitely to me deserves the other media award. Very unique.
Best landscape: Camping Cookout by Susan Hayes Murani
The amount of detail in such a small piece is incredible, and the lighting on this really evokes a sense of place. The cabin is no bigger than the head of a pin and there are lots of little details. This definitely fits the definition of miniature.
Best person: Summer Evening by Irina Kouznetsova
A smooth and technically skilled rendering in such a unique frame set this one apart from the rest. The amount of detail achieved in this miniature is staggering. The flowers, skin tones and lighting are all exquisite.
Best birds/animals: Life on the Edge by Judy Lalingo
The drama in this work puts it on a higher level, the tension in the posing of the deer and the lighting make this more than a painting, it’s also a story. I truly enjoyed this artwork.
Best still life/floral: Mother’s Things by Rachelle Siegrist
The lighting and rendering of the objects set this one apart from the rest. The minute details are so well done- the talent of the artist shines through.
Best abstract: Date Night by Thomas Lee
This piece has many layers to look through, and the face is mysteriously beckoning the viewer in. The ben day dots as part of the collage give it a great texture.
Best other subject: Dandelions by Debbie Faulkner Steven
I’m not quite sure what other subject meant, but this struck me as like a children’s book illustration. It’s a clever line of paintings Debbie has going on, and they’re all really fun. I thought the rabbit and dandelions were done very well.
People's Choice Award: Autumn Missed by Mary Serfass
This award one of the most meaningful honors in our Miniature Art Show because it comes directly from the collectors. Over 180 visitors cast their vote for the work of art that spoke to them most. Unlike the judged awards, this recognition reflects personal connection, emotion, and the power of art to leave a lasting impression. It is a true collector’s choice.
It’s here! The International Miniature Art Show has arrived at Seaside Art Gallery, and this year it’s all about making a difference. Whether it’s sending a powerful message or taking that brave step of bold color in your room, these tiny beauties pack a punch.
Whether it’s a frazzled up Monday or a relaxing Saturday, it’s always a good time to gently hold cute playful animals accurately painted in gorgeous miniature art. There’s tons of endearing treasures at Seaside Art Gallery’s International Miniature Art Show, too!
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?
