house sparrows painting in miniature

House Sparrows © Tracy Hall 2010

2" x 2" watercolour on rag board (shown enlarged with a penny for scale)

The sparrows are frantically busy just now with one brood fledged but still noisily dependant on their parents for food, while the females are also preparing for the next lot. I really enjoy watching them through all the stages but in this painting was trying to capture a moment's peace! They're one good reason not to mend an old shed roof anyway....

We're lucky that sparrows are still very common here, but its sobering to read that the UK population has apparently declined by over 60% in the last 25 years. (RSPB).

pierside - herring gull painting in miniature

'Pierside' © Tracy Hall 2010

2.25" x 1.75" watercolour on board

(Shown enlarged)

Continuing the watery theme just now! A recently completed miniature of a herring gull sitting on an old creel boat. Weathered wood is enormously satisfying to paint. The more battered the better!

The entry forms for the Royal Miniature Society exhibition in October are now available and I would urge anyone interested in submitting work to contact the secretary if they haven't received one. The RMS is the oldest miniature art society in the world and the quality of work selected for the annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London is outstanding. Its a beautiful show. The submission date for work is 21st August (this is a juried show but open to non-members as well, worldwide) and if anyone has any queries or problems I would be happy to help if I can.

eiders - bird painting in miniature

'Eiders' © Tracy Hall 2010

2" x 3.75" watercolour on board

The above painting was the result of a recent wander along the beach where a profusion of eiders were enjoying the sun and calm waters - and quite tolerant of the temporary intrusion! They're beautiful birds. It is shown above enlarged with a penny for scale.

Bu Beach

hilliard society international miniature art exhibition

The Hilliard Society exhibition opened last Saturday in Wells, Somerset and is open each day until Sunday June 6th, with around 500 artworks for sale from some of the worlds leading artists in miniature, demonstrations and a display of Russian lacquer boxes. I have five paintings in the show and hope you will be able to visit if you are in the area!