miniature painting

Miniature painting is a unique art form, tracing its roots back to the book paintings and illuminated manuscripts of the 7th century. They are paintings in minute scale, reflecting detail that can be magnified and still hold together as fine works of art. In the Middle Ages, monks embellished manuscript pages with borders and finely detailed illuminations. Through the centuries, miniature painting also became popular outside the book and manuscript as a separate, more personalized form of art. Much like a small photograph, these tiny portrait paintings were easily carried in a pocket or locket. Miniature painting has been practiced for centuries and continues to evolve as technology advances, taste changes and subject matter expands. Miniature art societies in the United States, the U.K. and several other parts of the world keep this painting tradition alive through education, exhibitions and scholarships.

“The beauty of these finely detailed images caught my attention. The skill, required to paint such small paintings was familiar to me because most of my own artwork had been fairly small and detailed. Then, after discovering the history of miniature painting, I felt even more connected to the art form. Book illuminations and manuscript embellishments also describe much of my art, created for children’s books. ”

— Tim Bowers

Member of:

-Miniature Art Society of Florida

-The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C.

-The Miniature Artists of America (MAA)