What is Miniature Art?

Miniature Art eludes an exact definition. Among miniaturists and miniature art societies around the world, arguments persist as to exactly what makes a work of art a true “miniature” instead of just a small painting. Despite the lack of a precise definition, there are aspects that typify miniature art and set it apart from work that is merely small in size. Miniature art is meticulously executed, containing layer upon layer of intricate detail. Instead of a loss of resolution under magnification, details continue to unfold. After the first moment of aesthetic arrest, you are yet again swept away by another layer of detail within the work. When viewed from afar, miniature art must hold to the same artistic virtues of larger work in terms of composition and tonal balance. At the same time the miniature artist strives to achieve such masterful execution of his medium that it stands up to the closest inspection. For this reason, miniature art tends to take as much or more time to produce as a larger painting. The artist achieves the intricate detail of each piece often with the use of extremely fine specialty brushes while working under magnifying equipment.

In this, the inaugural show of the Alabama Miniature Art Society, we strive to invite the spirit of Miniature Art to Mobile and the Gulf Coast by having established initial criteria that have kept the door open to a wider variety of artists than might have answered the call had we held to the stricter standards of the established miniature art societies around the world. For artists and art lovers alike unfamiliar with miniature art, the traditional criteria can be intimidating. Looking below, you will notice that the criteria for our first show are considerably more tolerant than those at the established events. Despite the differences, our dedication to and pursuit of the spirit of miniature art has succeeded in drawing acclaimed miniature artists locally, throughout the country, and beyond.

The Spanish Moss Juried Miniature Art Show is the first of what will eventually become a biannual event. With each show, the nascent Alabama Miniature Art Society will continue to hone the acceptance criteria so as to pursue the spirit of miniature art in its truest and most authentic form.