Opening on February 10 is the sensational American Miniatures showcase at Settlers West Galleries in Tucson, Arizona. Celebrating its 42nd edition, this year boasts 164 participating Western artists offering more than 250 original artworks—both paintings and sculpture.
“This show is one of our most anticipated events, allowing collectors to see works by many of America’s finest artists,” says gallery owner Stuart Johnson. “The smaller size requirements challenge artists to create full, complete paintings in a smaller format, and they always rise to the occasion.”
Daniel Smith, Sublime Outlook, acrylic, 10 x 10”
Prominent artists such as Ross Buckland, John Fawcett, Don Oelze, Ian Ramsay, Daniel Smith, Brooke Wetzel and Karin Hollebeke present small and miniature artworks depicting Western inspirations.
Oelze, known for his depictions of the historic West with Native American subjects, features his piece Eagles of the Southwest. The 11-by-10-inch painting shows two young Apache men, one on horseback, amid the desert landscape they were known to occupy. “In the last few years, I have developed a strong interest in the history of the Apache people of the Southwest and especially the Apache wars period between 1849 and 1886,” Oelze explains. “Many fascinating events happened in that period and a lot of them are well documented.”
Don Oelze, Eagles of the Southwest, oil, 11 x 10”
He continues, “The title Eagles of the Southwest comes from the name of a book I read many years ago when I spent time working at the Grand Canyon. It was the first book I had ever read on this topic and was probably the spark which led to my current passion for the subject.”
Ian Ramsay, Gulf Coast Dock, watercolor, 9 x 13”
For Fawcett’s watercolor piece Six-Up, measuring at 8 by 15 inches, we see the artist’s expertise in portraying equine subject matter. “So much can be learned about any equine from their ear positioning and the eyes,” Fawcett says. “This working team of six mules on a ranch is no exception, with the more dominant leaders having their ears perked and forward, signaling to the other teammates the next move. It is always a fun challenge to paint a watercolor with so many animals together with their harnesses.”
John Fawcett, Six-Up, watercolor, 8 x 15”
While Fawcett believes that creating small works can be a joy, he also feels they have their own set of challenges. “Getting everything you want into a small space and still accomplishing what you want the viewer to absorb,” he says. “The best thing is a lower price point of small works, to hopefully gain a new and enthusiastic group of collectors.”
Brooke Wetzel, A Day on the Water, oil, 10 x 10”
Hollebeke also admits that smaller paintings can be complicated for her to achieve, “since I am always motivated to create epic scenes,” she says. “Miniature paintings force me to simplify the image. As a visual narrator, I strive to capture the essence and spirit of the people who settled the American West. Most of my paintings refer to a more peaceful chapter in the history of the Frontier.”
Karin Hollebeke, Evening’s Calm, 12 x 9”
Her 12-by-9-inch painting Evening’s Calm, showing a pack of horses outside a dwelling with a large cliff in the background, was inspired by a recent trip to the Southwest. “It is a place in Canyon de Chelly where I came across an old adobe house. In this painting, on a moonlit night, I wanted it to be a place of serenity and welcoming for the travelers. The lantern light gives it a feeling of warmth and refuge.”
American Miniatures opens with a preview at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, with a reception to follow at 5:30 p.m. A fixed-price purchase draw will occur at 7 p.m., and works will remain on display through February 28. —
Powered by Froala Editor
