Small But Mighty

"Autumn Grasses #2" 2"x3" framed

Hi!

Have you ever noticed how one small image can turn a stress-filled day around? That's especially so when the image can be held in the palm of your hand where you can turn it and examine the texture of the canvas or the delicate brushstrokes.

There's something about it that brings immediate joy.

I have experienced this countless times recently and in the past, both personally, and through the comments of others. So I thought it fitting to share a few of those experiences with you this week.

Let's start with the one in my hand above. "Autumn Grasses 2" is our Fall Giveaway and it's teeny-tiny at only 2"x3." This one is unique, as it's on one of the Belgian linen panels I made last month. I love how tiny specks of the ecru-colored linen show through brighter colors in the painting. That seems to give it an earthy feel.

Barn swallows are abundant here in SE Michigan and they're so fun to watch as they swoop low over marshy areas. I thought it would give us a nice touch of Autumn. It seems to be a favorite in the studio. When we do our drawing first week of November, I know I'm going to miss it.

But where did the passion for miniature landscapes start?

"Coffee Klatch" 4"x4"

"Coffee Klatch" was one of the first in a Michigan Farmland painting series. I worked small like this in order to produce lots of them.

This one was entered in a show with the Artists' Society Of Dearborn. It won first prize and the juror dubbed it "small but mighty," explaining how that small area was packed with life and emotion.

Imagine how thrilled I was when a collector bought it, telling me the tiny painting had sparked a fond memory for her.

Feather collection

Ahhh...feathers!

When I think of that phrase, 'small but mighty,' I can't help but think of feathers.

How these light hollow shafts and delicate webbed strands can work together to lift a living creature into the air I find fascinating.

Several of our past giveaways involved feather paintings.

And they seem to sell every time I put them in a show.

Something about the dichotomy between strength and vulnerability seems to strike a chord with people.

My collection of small but mighty feathers is growing.

So IF you happen to find an interesting one and IF you feel so inclined, I would love if you drop it in an envelope and send it my way......just sayin.'

"Barn Swallows Above" 5"x5"

Available

Gold-foiled edge

"Barn Swallows Above" was inspired by a hike up near Pointe Mouillee. There's a wonderful wetland game reserve where barn swallows are actually thicker than the mosquitoes.

I could watch them flitting and swooping gracefully for hours. I delight in it every time the sun glints off their shiny deep blue-violet wings and russet-gold underbellies. Fascinating!

One fellow bought all three paintings from a show I had them in last Spring. He said they each represented different members of his family.

He actually got a bit teary as he told me why the tiny artworks touched him so deeply the moment he saw them.

During the critique, our juror, Shelley Stevens, said that adding the gold foiling around the edges elevated the three pieces.

She remarked that doing so gave importance to ordinary objects, ones we might not even notice otherwise.

I started paying attention to the ground a lot more after that. I also started gilding the edges on most of my small works.

This one is all dry, varnished, and ready to bring a little joy.

$115 for subscribers.

$144 for non-subscribers.

Respond to this letter with a YES if you want it, and we'll arrange to make it yours.

"Autumn Grasses" 5"x7"

3/4" deep gilded edge

Available

"Autumn Grasses" has a wonderful color harmony going on. The jewel-like greens in the lower sky next to the warm red and orange in the grass and leaves produce a glow.

That is by design as I've been studying techniques used by painters from the luminist movement, mid-late 1800s.

I might put this one in the ASD Fall Show. Once there, it will be $192. However, I always try to give subscribers a heads-up first. If you speak up before anyone else, I will let you have it for $155 and I'll put something else in the show.

Wes and Jan at Tahquamenon Falls

I hope you enjoyed this little side trip about the tinies. I sure did!

From my small but mighty family, may peace, prosperity, and joy be yours as you enjoy the season ahead.

And of course, take time for birdsong!

Jan