Discover the Charm of Miniatures

Laurel W. Jamieson paints watercolor miniatures in the style of the 18th century. She captures the charm of days gone by using detail, small scale, and a quiet palette. Her favorite subjects, including her trademark sheep, have been found in France, Scotland, and Ireland. Visit Laurel's online gallery of miniature watercolor giclées.

The History of Watercolor Miniatures
The birth of Miniature Watercolors began during the Renaissance when the rising middle class desired to display their new affluence and commissioned miniature portraits of their homes, loved ones and pets.The miniature watercolors were carried or worn as lockets. With the advent of the camera in the 19th century, this method of creating a likeness drastically declined.

During the 18th Century botanical illustration and topographical paintings in miiniature became popular. In 1895, the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers was founded. In recent years a number of miniature art societies have been organized all over the world. The subject matter for miniature painting may now include landscape, still life, floral subjects, and animals as well as portraiture. The rules with regard to size vary among the world's miniature art societies. Many juried shows in America stipulate that minature art can be no longer than 48 square inches (including the frame).

Two Sheep

Wetlands

Black Butterfly