Painting Figures in Miniature

This course is for artists who like painting big! With painting in miniature you will flex your muscle for distilling a lifesize figure into the intimate format of 4x6” or 6x6” canvas. 

There are galleries that only want tiny art: there are Calls For Artists inviting only the works of small scale, there are juried exhibitions of mini-paintings, special departments in art museums dedicated to exhibiting miniatures, there are interior designers who seek artworks for compact spaces, art collectors who buy exclusively miniature paintings. One of these art collectors is Cheech, who in his interview to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego says: “Small paintings hold a very unique power - the power of intimacy. Small paintings whisper to you. You have to get up close to them and pay attention because they are communicating a message that is told at a very low volume... [As an artist] you have to say everything you were going to say, but concisely, and the clarity of vision has to be more acute. You get very inventive as to how to represent something in that kind of scale.” 

We can add: in our experience, no art exhibit sells as many pieces as do galleries that show miniatures. These small paintings look so precious and desirable that the gallery visitors feel they just have to own one of them. There is always room for them: the typical excuse “I have no more wall space” does not apply.

In this course, the subjects for painting will be a semi-clothed figure. 

You will learn:

• how to contain the same energy as in a monumental painting in a small format
• the special features of painting in miniature
• which brushes to use
• how to make your small art visible and sellable
• why miniature format is beneficial for every painter

‍This course is for:

• artists not familiar with the genre of miniature;
• those who like to experiment with new art forms;
• experienced students who seek artistic expansion;
• painters, interested in selling their work

If you have questions about the materials or want to see if you qualify for this course, feel free to call 619-777- 6007. Any student who completed the Essential Drawing Course is qualified to take Painting Figures in Miniature.

Suitable for the students who have already acquired some experience in drawing. Please note: no prior experience with the human body is necessary. All graduates of the Essential Drawing Course are welcome.