Masterworks in Miniature 2011

This painting, Mindful – Timberwolf, is a part of Gallery One‘s  2011 Masterworks in Miniature.

Now in its 20th big year, Masterworks opens March 11 “Each miniature is so special,” said Alan Brown, Gallery One president,  and demand is so intense that prospective buyers from throughout the world submit ‘intent-to-purchase’ forms in hopes of ‘being drawn’ to buy their favorites.”

Such “intents” can be filed in person at Gallery One, in Mentor, Ohio ,where all of the works will be on exhibit until Saturday, March 26. Intents can also be filed by mail or over the web at www.galleryone.com where the entire collection can be viewed once the show opens. Winners of purchase rights will be drawn at the close of the event.

While some Masterworks fit in the palm of one’s hand, others are as large as 9″ x 12.”  A rare few may be a bit larger. Regardless of size, all are exquisitely detailed and represent the high quality expected of the individual artists.  Genres include wildlife, portraiture, still life, landscape, western and fantasy.

The artists are from all over the world.  “When such top artists are ‘forced’ to work small, their prices become really affordable,” said Brown.  “Collectors of limited editions often find that they can collect such miniatures for less than prints by the very same artists.”  That may explain why art lovers – and dealers – from all over the world vie for rights to such paintings.

In 2010, Rebecca was awarded the Buyer’s Choice award among all of the work in the exhibition, voted by the most “intents”.  Rebecca’s sister, Bonnie Latham, was runner-up for the award.

And how do collectors display the miniatures?  Many find their way into wall groupings while others rest comfortably on small easels, bathed in lamplight.  Some hang alone, featured above an interesting furniture item.  Regardless of how they are used, they are perfect jewels.

Gallery One is located at 7003 Center St. (Rt. 615), Mentor between Routes 90 and 2. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  In addition, Gallery One will be open until 9 p.m. on Fridays during the event.   For additional information, call 800.621.1141 or visit www.galleryone.com.