Miniatura

I started making minis about 24 years ago- but lately in the last years I’ve stepped up a bit using new techniques and pushing my boundaries!

I started miniature oil painting in Feb 2022… I wanted to try out my oil painting skills (after a break of 33 years!) for my own Dollshouses – I posted them to Facebook and interest in my work grew from there:-)

My main inspirations are the grand masters, other miniature makers and artisans and my family. A lot of my creative drive comes from my desire to make beautiful things for my own projects which will be passed down to my daughters – a lot of it is for them!
My first miniature oil painting “make” was a study of a Greyhound by Albert de Dreux. I’m an animal artist by trade (part time) so this was a natural progression for me. Prior to this I’ve made some furniture and have revamped and upgraded furniture with upholstery. I had another first last year- I was bought a craft wood lathe for my birthday. I now produce wood-turned miniatures in all of the popular scales: 1:12th/1:24th/1:48th and 1:144th. I use a variety of hardwoods to produce these- they are addictive to make!

I like exhibiting and selling my work at shows… I like to meet the clients and fellow miniaturists that may buy a piece or talk about minis and our shared passion for them. We can teach each other a lot!

I have a studio at home that I produce my miniatures- sometimes I’ll be commandeering the kitchen table as my work space- that way I can still be part of the family day!

Some pieces take a few hours or days/weeks to make. It all depends on the level of detail, size, medium and complexity involved.

I’m lucky that I’ve been able to draw and paint throughout my life- I inherited my father’s ability for drawing and I know it’s a precious gift. My tools of the trade are oil paints, pastels, Pastelmat card (as a support for the oil paintings) and lots of lovely woods for the turnings. I make picture frames from resin moulds and I will use my clients own frames they’ve bought or other makers frames.

The research I do tends to be finding reference resources that are in the public domain – so not to breach copyright. I focus on an era, a theme and style and I will paint images in primarily 1:12th and 1:24th. I have researched the sizes of paintings in all scales so they look authentic.

I admire so many artisans and miniaturists- there are so many to name, but I must say that these are makers that I greatly admire, namely the late John Hodgson, Emma Waddell, Steve Putnam, Clive John, Chris Malcolmson, Michael Mortimer, Gabriel Eden James, Angela Kinnunen (Raptoor), Robert Crouch, Vanalan Miniatures, Tobacco and Regrets, Michael Robbins, Jan Southerton, Nicola Mascall, Seaside Miniatures, Cornel Gheorgheasa, Cheryl Hubbard… the list is exhaustive!