The Difference Between a Miniature and a Small Work

"San Diego Freedom Flag," 4" x 6", 

egg tempera masterwork miniature on Kelmscott vellum - SOLD

Masterwork miniature, Third Prize for medium, MASF 2008 annual show

                                            

a small work of the same flag with a cloudless sky 

7" x 9" egg tempera on panel, masterwork (in progress)

Do you know the difference between a miniature and a small work?  Shown first is my miniature painting called "San Diego Freedom Flag," which is now in the collection of Joan Christie.  The second piece is an example of a "small work" in progress which I am preparing for a show called "Almost Miniatures" at Francesca Anderson Gallery in Lexington, MA .  

One of my goals with this blog is to share information about miniature painting and about the definition of a miniature, since currently there exists some confusion about appropriate use of the term 'miniature'.  The "Almost Miniatures" show will feature an interesting mix of both miniature paintings and small work paintings.  A small work differs from a miniature in that it does not necessarily portray a subject at 1/6th scale of life size, and its format is small, but still larger than 25 inches square, which typifies a mini.  A small work will generally range from 5 in. x 7 in. to 12 in. x 12 in.  For more information on how various miniature painting societies around the globe define the parameters of a miniature, please click here.

I am progressing on several miniatures, and hope to post at least two of these tomorrow.