Until late August, visitors to the Dandenong Ranges can step into the small but mighty world of miniature painting in a new collection currently open at a local gallery.
The Small Packages exhibition has opened at the Sherbrooke Gallery as of 19 July and has an array of miniature and small paintings on display for the public to enjoy.
75 entries were submitted this year, with some entries mailed in from as far away as Tasmania and NSW.
Sherbrooke Gallery volunteer Leanne said that the judge, Janet Matthews, was impressed with the standard of entries this year.
“Most of the miniatures must be viewed using the magnifying glasses to fully appreciate their intricate details,” she said.
Judge Matthews said It was a delight and absolute pleasure to judge the exhibition.
“There was a high standard of works and some fabulous subjects. It was difficult to select the winners,” she said.
Miniatures are a specialised form of art with definite rules about sizes and framing and the judging parameters include some specific notes for artists’ to hit.
Images must be 10x10cm maximum in size, or smaller. and the subjects must be one sixth of their natural size, maintaining the essence of miniaturization.
Also, the work must be amazing when viewed up close or with a magnifying glass.
“Miniatures are a favourite of mine. I especially love finding the hidden things, like the magpies in the trees or the people in the street when the works are viewed up close,” said Judge Matthews.
Winners this year included the Winner of the Michael Freshwater Award for Excellence, artist It Hao Pheh, for his painting titled ‘St Paul’s, Melbourne’, which is the size of a matchbox.
The winner of the Tea-Bag Challenge went to local artist Carol Toogood for her painting on a real gum leaf titled ‘ Wildflower Season’.
Carol said the award was completely unexpected.
“Quite a surprise for me at the awards presentation,” she said.
The artist had decided her subject would be Australian wildlife, depicted on a native leaf for her submission.
“I chose a eucalyptus leaf from some I’d pressed and saved , because its shape and size suited the image I wanted to paint,” said Carol.
Carol prepared her leaf ‘canvas with a sealer and a base coat of gesso, before using acrylics to paint a scene of a young kangaroo among wildflowers.
“Painting on such a small scale, for me, takes as long as a larger work,” said Carol.
“Using tiny brushes, and layers of teeny brushstrokes, a magnifying glass is a great help,” she said.
Carol used a reference photo that was kindly given to her by a wildlife carer some years ago. The subject of her work was ‘Prudence’, a rescued joey, who grew strong and healthy, and was eventually released back to the bush., and her mob.
Best Miniature went to Ruth Bosveld from Tasmania for her incredible gouache painting on a piano key titled ‘ Freycinet Sailing’, and the Winner of Best Graphite went to Nicole Martin for her drawing titled ‘ Forgotten Memories’.
The Winner of the Best Small Painting went to Regina Brewster from NSW for her painting ‘ Frog & Fungi’.
The Small Packages exhibition is on now until 24 August at the Sherbrooke Gallery, 62 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave. Sherbrooke Gallery is open Friday to Monday from 11am- 3pm.
“Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite artists’ work as part of the ‘People’s Choice’ Award,” said Leanne.
“It is so encouraging to see so many artworks in this exhibition. Congratulations to all participants, their works make the exhibition appealing, inspiring and unique,” said Judge Matthews.
“I encourage everyone to come to the gallery and see them,” she said.
