Though I have done some very small paintings, they wouldn't classify as miniatures. I do like what you talk about here... find the niche that you love, or resonate with the pieces created. Thanks!
Yes! And I should have mentioned that there are a bunch of small works (under 14" usually" shows too. I judged one that happens every May in Mena AR at Mena Art Gallery, and there are others. But I love supporting the small art centers and galleries in small towns, and often, as in Mena's case, they attract some really big names and talents, just BECAUSE they are the only art brick and mortar in a 3 hr radius.
I am currently working on a series 8"x11" of people around the world and their traditional costumes. Four I finished for the Tori at FinnFest in San Diego, CA and got inspired to paint a couple dozen more. So good to hear about the "under 14" shows.
Everything, Debra, works for you in this painting. The black horse with the white blaze leads the way. You've utilized the fence (and its reflection) as leading devices. All the splashing water brings more movement and dynamism into your composition. Beautifully done!
Thank you SO much! Can I tell you a secret? I thought it was one of my strongest pieces, but already it has been rejected by the National Oil and Acrylic Painters (NOAPS) society Best of America jurors. It didn't get accepted there, so now I am waiting to see if it gets into AAPL's Grand National. But you really just never know. I think it's about matching up the judges' niches with our niches and then hopefully attracting that collector niche. It makes you crazy if you think on it too long!
Yes, if all we cared about was a judge's opinion, we would all go crazy, for sure! When I judge, I like to tell the artists in advance what I will be looking for. I am talking about the accepted principles of art and composition. However, it does always come down to a subjective application or opinion of how the artist uses those principles. What really drives me crazy is when a judge talks only about their subjective feelings without any reference to the accepted principles.
You are most welcome! Give it a try and see! OR, you may find you have another niche that works for you, and if that's the case, share it here too Doreen.
Haha! And sometimes it’s not even size - maybe you find a focused niche by doing something crazy like starting to paint closet walls or doors or window shades!!
Perfect, Debra! I tend to create miniature works but rarely show them. Put them on my walls at home. : ) Your words are welcome advice, and just the inspiration I needed. Thank you! I love learning new media, and I paint anything that inspires me. That means I have a huge body of works of all sizes all media (save oils), and many subjects. I LOVE weaving my world of many "colors." But as sales go, there are a lot of disadvantages to this. I so appreciate your excellent article. ..and intend to follow up on it!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. It sounds like you have several niches you can focus on. It will be exciting to see which result in the most future opportunities for you!
About 90% of my paintings over the last 16 years have been 5x7 through 11x14, primarily because about 90% of them are done en plein air, and it is neither comfortable or wise to paint larger paintings on site, especially in "interesting" conditions, and the light-shadows change too much. Two plein air gouache pieces I painted on location on a painting trip in Europe in Oct 2025 were accepted into a Small Works show that is hanging at the ONE arts venue in our small community right now!
Though I have done some very small paintings, they wouldn't classify as miniatures. I do like what you talk about here... find the niche that you love, or resonate with the pieces created. Thanks!
Yes! And I should have mentioned that there are a bunch of small works (under 14" usually" shows too. I judged one that happens every May in Mena AR at Mena Art Gallery, and there are others. But I love supporting the small art centers and galleries in small towns, and often, as in Mena's case, they attract some really big names and talents, just BECAUSE they are the only art brick and mortar in a 3 hr radius.
I am currently working on a series 8"x11" of people around the world and their traditional costumes. Four I finished for the Tori at FinnFest in San Diego, CA and got inspired to paint a couple dozen more. So good to hear about the "under 14" shows.
Oh there are several. If you do a search for small work exhibition prospectus you will likely find more than you have time or money to enter!
Thank you!
Everything, Debra, works for you in this painting. The black horse with the white blaze leads the way. You've utilized the fence (and its reflection) as leading devices. All the splashing water brings more movement and dynamism into your composition. Beautifully done!
Thank you SO much! Can I tell you a secret? I thought it was one of my strongest pieces, but already it has been rejected by the National Oil and Acrylic Painters (NOAPS) society Best of America jurors. It didn't get accepted there, so now I am waiting to see if it gets into AAPL's Grand National. But you really just never know. I think it's about matching up the judges' niches with our niches and then hopefully attracting that collector niche. It makes you crazy if you think on it too long!
Yes, if all we cared about was a judge's opinion, we would all go crazy, for sure! When I judge, I like to tell the artists in advance what I will be looking for. I am talking about the accepted principles of art and composition. However, it does always come down to a subjective application or opinion of how the artist uses those principles. What really drives me crazy is when a judge talks only about their subjective feelings without any reference to the accepted principles.
I love miniatures. I have a few that I sell as well.
That’s wonderful Pamela! Thx for commenting
Good idea. May be easier to sell smaller ones in these tough economic times. Thanks
You are most welcome! Give it a try and see! OR, you may find you have another niche that works for you, and if that's the case, share it here too Doreen.
Will do.
Thanks Debra. Great advice, as always. I tend to paint large but am running out of closets!
Debra Keirce
just now
Haha! And sometimes it’s not even size - maybe you find a focused niche by doing something crazy like starting to paint closet walls or doors or window shades!!
Perfect, Debra! I tend to create miniature works but rarely show them. Put them on my walls at home. : ) Your words are welcome advice, and just the inspiration I needed. Thank you! I love learning new media, and I paint anything that inspires me. That means I have a huge body of works of all sizes all media (save oils), and many subjects. I LOVE weaving my world of many "colors." But as sales go, there are a lot of disadvantages to this. I so appreciate your excellent article. ..and intend to follow up on it!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. It sounds like you have several niches you can focus on. It will be exciting to see which result in the most future opportunities for you!
I would be excited to see that myself. 😊
Awesome Deb
Thanks my awesome friend! I wish you were sharing your big news so I could have included it! Sigh!!
About 90% of my paintings over the last 16 years have been 5x7 through 11x14, primarily because about 90% of them are done en plein air, and it is neither comfortable or wise to paint larger paintings on site, especially in "interesting" conditions, and the light-shadows change too much. Two plein air gouache pieces I painted on location on a painting trip in Europe in Oct 2025 were accepted into a Small Works show that is hanging at the ONE arts venue in our small community right now!
Yes!! You are part of another great niche too - plein air - the hardiest of us all. Congratulations on your show pieces!
Thank you!