Carrying on the tradition of showcasing quality works in small sizes by prominent Western and wildlife artists from across the country, Coeur d’Alene Galleries presents the annual Miniatures by the Lake. Approximately 80 artists featuring around 125 artworks are a part of the 2024 showcase, which should make for another thrilling and diverse edition.
Brooke Wetzel, Under the July Moon, oil, 9 x 12 in.
“Variety is always the highlight of the show, as collectors will find so much different subject matter presented in different mediums, styles and techniques,” explains Buddy Le, the gallery’s managing director. “Every year, we have a small number of new artists that we love to introduce to collectors as well as offer new works by the most sought-after artists in the Western art world.”
Artist Abigail Gutting, with 2024 marking her 11th year participating in Miniatures by the Lake, says, “It’s a one-of-a-kind event, made so by the excellent folks who own and run the gallery. It’s an exciting mix of styles and genres—no two paintings are alike—and a fun time to reconnect with a lot of familiar faces.”
Don Oelze, The Hungry Season, oil, 11 x 12 in.
She continues, “I’ve done a lot of large paintings in recent months, that include a lot of visual information and a larger narrative, so small works are a chance to focus a little more closely on a vignette or a moment in time. Both large and small works exercise different artistic muscles for me.”
Gutting’s 10-by-8-inch deer portrait, Watcher in the Woods,shows a muley doe that the artist photographed during a visit to Yellowstone National Park. “They’re such lovely creatures—I never get tired of watching them in the wild,” she says. “This little piece is a mass-to- line approach, which is always a fun challenge. It focuses on portraying the reality of the subject while taking artistic liberties in design and composition. Enjoyable from start to finish!”
Dustin Van Wechel, Full Steam Ahead, oil on linen, 12 x 9 in.
Returning artist Brooke Wetzel shares that what she loves most about the show, aside from it being held in such a beautiful location, “is the opportunity it creates for those that love art but face the common challenges of collecting,” she says. “Miniatures are great for those with limited wall space, new collectors not ready to commit to a large piece and affordability. Collectors of all kinds have a myriad of fantastic small-scale paintings to choose from. Also, the show is held at summer’s end, bringing to a close the season of abundant inspiration for so many artists. The paintings are fresh, inspired and intentional.”
Abigail Gutting, The Watcher in the Woods, oil on linen, 10 x 8 in.
Wetzel brings to the show her 9-by-12-inch nocturne Under the July Moon—a culmination of moments the artist experienced sitting next to a campfire by an alpine lake. [This painting] is about those treasured times we get to spend with family away from all of life’s chaos and distractions,” Gutting adds. “This is a scene from one of my favorite mountaintop lakes. There is only a short gap of time when there’s access to it and the scenery is in its prime in July. The rest of the year I view its snow-covered peaks from my front porch.”
Miniatures by the Lake opens at Coeur d’Alene Galleries in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on September 2, with the main event, the reception and fixed-price draw, held on Saturday, September 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. —
Coeur d’Alene Galleries 213 Sherman Avenue » Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 » (208) 667-7732 » www.cdagalleries.com
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