The Big Book of Tiny Art: Discover the Art of Drawing & Painting in Miniature

211 Pages·2016·52.86 MB·English

by  Karen Libecap

T H E B I G B O O K O F
t i n y a r t
A modern, inspirational guide
to the art of the miniature
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Quarto is the authority on a wide range of topics.
Quarto educates, entertains, and enriches the lives of our readers—
enthusiasts and lovers of hands-on living.
www.quartoknows.com
© 2016 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.
Published by Walter Foster Publishing,
a division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.
All rights reserved. Walter Foster is a registered trademark.
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Artwork and photographs © 2016 Karen Libecap, except:
Artwork and photographs on pages 10, 11, 12 (“Watercolor Paints,” “Acrylic & Oil”),
13, and 14-23 © 2014 Elizabeth T. Gilbert; and photograph on page 12 (“Gouache”) © Shutterstock.
Borders and frames on pages 46-79, 102-123, 144-171, and 192-205 © Shutterstock.
Author photograph on page 208 by Leah Karol.
Acquiring & Project Editor: Stephanie Carbajal
Page Layout: Krista Joy Johnson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without
written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the
knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer,
publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this
publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information
supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing
information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.
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Lake Forest, CA 92630
quartoknows.com
Visit our blogs at quartoknows.com
This book has been produced to aid the aspiring artist. Reproduction of work for study or finished art is
permissible. Any art produced or photomechanically reproduced from this publication for commercial
purposes is forbidden without written consent from the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing.
Printed in China
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T H E B I G B O O K O F
t i n y a r t
A modern, inspirational guide
to the art of the miniature
Karen Libecap
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S tAble of
T
N
E contents
T
N
O
C IntroductIon 7

F
The Artist’s Process 8
O
Tools & Materials 10
E
Graphite Techniques 14
L
B Colored Pencil Techniques 16
A
Watercolor Techniques 18
T
Acrylic & Oil Techniques 20
Color Theory Basics 22
tIny AnImAls 25
Fox 26
Bear 30
Chick 34
Lamb 38
Dachshund 42
Gallery 46
Tiny Animals Sketchbook 80
tIny Food & drInk 83
Taco 84
Martini & Shaker 88
Mushrooms 90
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Cupcake 94
Coffee & Doughnuts 98
Gallery 102
Tiny Food & Drink Sketchbook 124
tIny thIngs & People 127
Vase of Flowers 128
Iconic Car 132
Ballerina 136
Ink Well & Quill 140
Gallery 144
Tiny Things & People Sketchbook 172
tIny PlAces 175
Eagle Nebula 176
The Beach 180
Under the Sea 184
Big Ben 188
Gallery 192
Tiny Places Sketchbook 206
About the ArtIst 208
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IntroductIon
Artists have been working in miniature since the early 16th century, and it is an art form that
continues to evolve and transform over time. Miniature art is often extremely detailed, despite
the small size of the subjects. A fine miniature work of art can be magnified many times and still
retain its integrity.
In the pages that follow you’ll discover how to draw and paint miniature art covering a wide range
of subjects, from animals and food to people and fun objects. Like any other art form, working in
miniature requires a bit of practice and patience to
perfect your skill. If you follow the tips and instruction If you follow the tIps,
in this book, you’ll be well on your way to creating your technIques, and InstructIon
own tiny masterpieces. In thIs book, you’ll be well
on your way to creatIng your
Most of the artwork in this book has been completed
own tIny masterpIeces.
with a combination of watercolor paint and colored
pencil, but you can use the concepts and easy-to-follow instructions to create artwork in the
medium of your choice. From acrylic and oil to pastel and gouache, you can create miniature
artwork however you choose. You’ll find tips and techniques for working with some of these
mediums on pages 10–21.
This book is divided into four sections: Tiny Animals, Tiny Food & Drink, Tiny Things & People, and
Tiny Places. You’ll find step-by-step tutorials for drawing and painting everything from a sweet lamb
to an underwater scene. Ready to get started?
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the ArtIst’s
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C Process
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P
It’s always a challenge to recreate lifelike detail in a tiny area. I

S use watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, and even oils to achieve
’
T the desired effects I want. Smaller than a large coin, each of my
S
illustrations celebrates tiny art and big ideas. Each miniature work
I
T presents a new challenge that allows me the opportunity to stretch
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myself as an artist. I hope you’ll find the same satisfaction and
A
creative fulfillment on your own artistic journey!
E
H
T GettIng
started
I create all of my tiny paint-
ings and drawings within a
1¼" x 1¼" square on a 5-inch
square piece of hot-pressed
watercolor paper. Create
guidelines for your artwork
by measuring and marking
the art space lightly in pencil.
When you’re done, you can
erase the guidelines.
startIng wIth a sketch
The key to any great work of art—especially a miniature—is starting
with a good sketch. I use a pencil to lightly sketch the general shapes
and outline of the subject. There’s no need to focus on detail at this
stage. This is the time to make sure proportions and perspective are
accurate before applying color.
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