As those of us here in the United States prepare for Thanksgiving on November 22nd, we're reminded to stop and take stock. Not just of the things we've put up from harvest, or the holes we need to fill in the pantry, but of all of the things in our lives that make us happy and look forward every day. I have many, many blessings to count, but one that I am most especially grateful for are my inspiring, creative and incredibly talented mini friends and followers!
Last winter I was working on a number of miniature bathroom sinks and vanities, and Samantha from Blueprint Minis was beginning to learn how to paint in miniature. Somehow, we worked out a swap. I'd make a vanity for her San Franciscan's basement tenant and she'd make an autumn painting, destined for a future fall themed build, for me. I definitely got the better end of the deal, because Sam's paintings are extraordinary! And because she sent me ~E~I~G~H~T~ of them, I thought she deserved her own mini gallery opening!
It is astonishing to hold these little paintings (the largest measures just 3-1/2" w x 2-1/2" h) and see all of the detail, each tiny brush stroke, the shading, the way the light plays on the trees. Gobsmacked is what I am, and so incredibly happy that they are all mine!!!
This one is titled "Country Lane", and that peek of purple sky set against the vibrant orange foliage makes my heart sing with joy! I'm going to imagine that
road leads me home...
This one titled "The Dog Walker" was one of Sam's first tries at autumn landscapes. She's been trying to improve it, but there's no need - it's perfect!!! Can you see and then imagine painting a person and dog so tiny? Look at the color of the tree shadows! This Is what Love feels like!
This one is called "Falling Leaves". Sam has managed to capture the sunlight lighting up the path and making the leaves sparkle in it's brilliance! I can hear the birdsong of the last holdouts, enjoying the morning and all the splendor fall brings!
This moody treasure is titled "Autumn Trail". Sam has incredibly captured the low light and damp forest ambiance. I can hear the leaves crinkling under my feet as I pick up my pace before the last light fades.
Sam has named this one "Backwoods Track", and says it's not her best work. Now I know she's being too critical because I truly love those fiery leaves! And look at that blue sky and how she makes a path look as though it wanders off into someplace!
I literally sucked in my breath when I first saw "River Walk" Those colors! The sunlight! That bridge!!! The tree shadows! That awesome crooked tree! I want to be in that place right now!
Look at the perspective and the mist rising from the lake in "Morning Mist"! The orange and yellow set against the blue sky and the mountains in the background! This one strikes a chord, because I live within 2 hours, as the crow flies, from three different volcanoes! I Love that tree and it's delightful branching!
This incredible piece is titled "Fall Forest", and aptly so because look at those gorgeous pine trees! The splash of blue is so unexpected and yet elevates the landscape into frolicking forest merriment! Just look at those amazing rocks and the reflections in the water!
Sam, you have really knocked it out of the park with the landscape, the colors and the settings! If I saw these at a miniatures fair I would have bought each and every one!!!
Sam also just got a Cricut, so she made mats for each painting and a lovely card adorned with fall leaves and a poem!
The poem reads...
As the warmth dissipates
and the winds herald
the upcoming cold
As trees wither
and sigh their last breath
We'll bask once again
in their vibrant color
Thank you, Sam! ~T~H~A~N~K~💗 ~Y~O~U~! I so appreciate your masterful painting, and feel so proud to own so many of your originals!
To everyone else, and especially to my new followers... I Am So Thankful For All Of You And So Happy You Are On This Mini Journey With Me!
xo xo,
Jodi
I have to send a test comment first because I've been able to get my comments to go through, so please bear with me.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Ann! I've had comments disappear, too. Usually long ones filled with genuine sentiment! I've now installed a clipboard copy app, and before hitting "publish" I copy the text. If my comments disappear, I just have to open the app, copy and paste them in the comment box again! I use Chrome as my browser, so if you'd like to have the clipboard app, too, just search in your browser for "free clipboard app".
DeleteOK. It is very hard to pick a favorite were I asked to do so. I am partial to mountains, but bridges are wonderful too. The little art gallery is a wonderful tribute to Samantha's talent and generosity. Indeed she, too, is lucky to have one your hand crafted vanities. You two are a great team. Thankfulness, too, is the best way to express gratitude because nothing really can equal it. Can't wait to see work on the Glencroft begin.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann! It is hard to pick a favorite, and I am thankful that they are all mine so I can choose them all! It's maddening sometimes having to choose just one mini thing!
DeleteThe Glencroft is going to be a while off yet. I have 4 kits with solid plans, drawers filled with "stuff" for them plus the cottage still in the works. I also have a couple "small" projects in the wings which I'll likely do in between the cottage and the next major build. So whichever one "speaks" to be at the opportune moment will be the one I start. Plus that poor, partially finished New Orleans might finally speak up again. If only I knew how to make time!
Sam's artwork IS LOVELY! She has a been able to capture a mood and a season in Amazing detail and with such saturated colours! My favourite is "Country Lane" yet viewing them all in the setting of a mini gallery is an ideal way to showcase each of Sam's original canvases to the Max! :D
ReplyDeleteelizabeth
There is something that draws me to "Country Lane" time and again, too, Elizabeth! But I truly do love each and every one! It was fun to take a break from the cottage garden for some play time setting up the gallery! Before I blinked, hours had passed, I was still in my jammies, and I was so happy!
DeleteQue maravilla de cuadros,claro que merecían estar en su galería propia!! Aunque es difícil escoger,creo que Fall Forest es mi preferido,ese toque azul entre los colores de otoño me encanta!!!
ReplyDeleteBesos.
Fue muy divertido jugar configurando la galería, ¡especialmente teniendo tantas pinturas hermosas para mostrar! Tengo la sensación de que mi favorito rotará dependiendo de dónde los coloque, ¡porque soy tan voluble como eso! : O)
DeleteThey are simply lovely, and you have displayed them in such a loving way. This post made me feel so warm fuzzy I am wanting to cry with happiness.
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
Carrie
Me too, Carrie! I wanted to cry with happiness opening up Sam's thoughtful packaging, and then it just kept getting better! I love that in our little community the world is still a kind and safe place, and warm fuzzies are a regular occurrence!
DeleteHello Jody,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, Sam is incredibly talented and you have created a beautiful showcase for the paintings. They are all incredible and it is so hard to pick favorites. I am thankful you have a blog Jodi. It is a privilege to follow your incredible work and to get to know the wonderful person behind it. Thank you for sharing your insane talent with us my friend.
Big hug
Giac
Thank you, Giac! 💗
DeleteSam is a living example to us all to try new crafts! You never know what's inside you!
I shall keep my blog going forever, if only to have your kind and encouraging words gladden my heart!
Big Hugs Back!
WOW. WOW. HOLY COW. WOW.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?!? She's incredible, and I am soooooo lucky! :O)
DeleteI really just need to repeat what Keli said. I'm awed.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I can pick a favorite. I'm torn between the Morning Mist painting and The Dog Walker. Just beautiful!
I totally know what you mean. My "favorite" is going to keep changing as I place these in my dwellings! Each one is so amazing in it's own way! I have seen mini paintings done by "professional artisans", and using that yardstick, Sam should quit her day job and paint exclusively!
DeleteYou are so lucky to have all those original Samantha paintings! Doesn't she do beautiful work? And you've created a lovely setting that displays them perfectly. The frames leaning against the wall give an added touch of realism. I would be looking at it all the time if it were in my house. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know! I was thrilled at the thought of having just ONE of her amazing works of art, but to be surprised with EIGHT incredible paintings is beyond my wildest dreams! It was so much fun to set them up in this way, and now I get to see them every day!
DeleteI don't always comment, however, I do stop by to admire your work. Especially on incredibly difficult days. I haven't had time to work on my minis in sometime, so it’s gratifying to read your latest accomplishments in miniature. I am thankful for you sharing your work with us on this format. And what amazing work the artist painted those Autumn scenes with such detail in miniature: my favorite "the Dog Walker."
ReplyDeleteThank you, MC! I know what it like when life's demands pull you away from the things you'd like to do. It's important, though, to stay connected to those dreams, and I am so happy that you connect through my blog! Just knowing that we encourage each other will help us endure the darkest of days until we can bask in the good ones again!
DeleteI can understand the joy you felt on receiving these gorgeous paintings. It's wonderful that you did a special show, which by itself is stunning, as a tribute to the artist. I love it!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Drora
Thank you, Drora! I just had to play with and enjoy these amazing landscapes as soon as possible, and Sam's work certainly deserves to be displayed for all the world to see! At least for my 172 followers to see! :O)
DeleteSo amazing, both of you! I was floored when I saw her tiny paintings as well, and I just love the one with the burst of blue-purple especially. Your gallery show is so spot-on. I can see this at a local autumn market faire. :D Since I started with minis in 2009, I have been blessed with a worldwide community and cherished friendships. Minis really do make the world a better place. Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brae! Sam is a prodigy, and I am so glad she decided to give mini painting a try!
DeleteHugs right back to you, and thank you for the incredible inspiration and ideas you bring to our community! It's amazing to have friends from all over our world, and ones from a few states over!
Hello, Jodi - How wonderful that Sam sent you those beautiful paintings, and how wonderful that you chose to display them in such a perfect gallery setting. You must have had so much fun! It is hard to choose a favorite (so nice that you don't need to!) but after studying them all and just letting my emotions rule, I think that "Fall Forest" is my pick. I've chosen my spot on the bank beneath a tree where I can sit and dream on forever in the quietness of that forest. Thank you, Jodi, for your lovely Thanksgiving message. I, too, am so thankful for all my friends and followers in the miniature world. As I've said before, being a miniaturist is a lonely hobby, at least where I live, and so I'm doubly appreciative of all the warm, special interaction in this mini community.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie
Hi Marjory! I really did have so much fun setting up the gallery! Sam's paintings are truly inspiring, and luckily, I have been collecting fall type stuff for the autumn house for quite some time now. It feels good to have some of it out of the drawer, and to have Sam's incredible work displayed where I can enjoy it every day!
DeleteFall Sorest is an excellent pick, and I am sure Sam wouldn't mind you printing a copy to enjoy in one of your homes (if you like I'll confirm with Sam and email you a scanned copy with high resolution). And you nailed it - we mini addicted are such a rare group that finding kindred spirits in real life is nearly impossible. Mini groups are rare in Washington State, too, so it's a double blessing to connect with like minded and creative miniaturists the way we do!
Thank you, Jodi, for the lovely idea of a scanned copy of "Fall Forest!" That is so thoughtful. After you've confirmed with Sam, let me know and I'll send my email address. (If for some reason it doesn't work out, I'll completely understand.) I'm happy that you're already acquiring a collection of fall things for your autumn house. That's going to be quite an interesting project.
DeleteMarjorie
Hi Marjorie!
DeleteI've heard back from Sam, who has graciously agreed to let me scan any and all paintings you'd like! So, please email me your email address and I will get the scans to you: jodihippler@gmail.com
Oh wow!! These paintings are amazing! I love the colours! And how clever of you to make a gallery for them. They deserve a permanent exhibition!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Véronique
Thank you, Veronique! And yes they do deserve to be displayed and enjoyed! I must have gone over for a look at least ten times today, and each time it's a thrill!
DeleteThis shows how generous and talented she is and how fortunate you are to get them!
ReplyDeleteTruer words have never been spoken! I feel incredibly blessed at Sam's generosity, and amazed at her painting ability right from the start! She was meant to paint, and I am so glad she discovered this hidden talent!
DeleteJuntar todos los cuadros en una galería es lo mejor que has podido hacer. Sería una pena que quedasen separados. Son todos y cada uno de ellos preciosos. ¡Samantha es una artista de la pintura en miniatura!
ReplyDeleteEs cierto, Isabel! ¡Todos se felicitan tan maravillosamente! No sé nada de arte, ¡pero cada uno de los estilos con los que jugó demuestra que puede hacer cualquier cosa! ¡Realmente es una pintora talentosa!
DeleteWow, Jodi, what an amazing Gift!!! In all ways of meaning... the gift to you is amazing, and clearly she has a Gift for painting mini paintings!!! I hope she keeps painting... they are all truly lovely and deserving of the Art Gallery Show you have arranged!!! This is a perfect use for your display area... except you will have to have another display area for temporary displays now! LOL! (Isn't that how it works... the temporary part gets lost in the glorious assembly!) I am thoroughly enjoying seeing each and every one of these paintings up close and in detail! The one of the walking the dog is very beautiful... as are the dark forest in Autumn Trail... so many of them have so much joy and beauty! She has a real talent! Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us! :):)
ReplyDeleteThey are an amazing gift and Sam is definitely a very gifted artist! Seeing them as a collection is a window into her creatively beautiful mind, too! I am so happy to have the display shops put to great use, as over the months they have begun to collect boxes of no artistic value whatsoever! You never know what gifts life will bring, and suddenly, I have an art gallery filled with visual joy and it was such a pleasant surprise! I am so excited to one day be able to compliment their colors and feeling (I Hope) in the autumn house!
DeleteOh my gosh Jodi! This post has had me grinning from ear to ear all day long. It makes me so happy that you are happy with your paintings. (Hi, *waves* nervous artist waiting for a critique here.. lol). I love this gallery shoot so much! My very first gallery show! :D Thank you so much for putting it together and sharing it with us all. You have made my paintings look so good! I show my hubby my offerings quite regularly and he’s general response is, a long suffering “that’s nice honey, I’m glad you are enjoying yourself.” But I showed him your gallery shots and he was much more animated and I finally got a “Wow! They look really good! You need to paint one for my mother. Your friend is really good at miniatures isn’t she!” Ha!.. It took your great photography and scene setting skills for him to finally “get” the mini painting thing. :D I love all the fall décor you have been collecting and you have staged it perfectly right from the opening shot… that lovely pottery selection backed by the “view” through window. That basket of fall foliage is gorgeous! I can already see from this glimpse at your collected minis, that the Autumn/Fall house is going to be a spectacular build and that Country Lane in particular is going to suit the colour palette you have chosen. I love how you have propped empty frames against the walls. We both know you will have to customise frames for my random sizing ;P… I didn’t really think that through very well did I??
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brae, the harvest vegetables and crates placed strategically around the room, really make it look like I’m showing at a Country Faire. It’s just wonderful. And the absolute finishing touch, an easel with a customised billboard announcing “my” show! So awesome!
I’ve been showing your pictures to all my RL work colleagues and friends, because they are JUST. SO. GREAT!!
I never usually do that with minis because.. you know… they just don’t get it. It’s my little hidden hobby that nobody but my husband and a crafty cousin know about. But this is different, you have given me the confidence to own my hobby and be proud of it, regardless of what the “real world” thinks. You have created such a wonderful scene that I can confidently proclaim to the doubters that miniatures are a real art form (not just toys). I can point out the amazing detail in your room box and show them how cool it is that this room, that at first glance looks RL size, is actually a miniature. I can show them with your personalised show for little ol me, how generous and caring this community of wonderful creative souls is. How, everyday my mini friends make me grin and squeal with glee at their glorious creations. Mini swaps are, in my humble opinion, without a doubt one of the most enjoyable & exciting parts of this community. I’ve only ever done one other…. It is a brave swapper who is willing to take the shipping to Oz as part of the bargain. But you and Deborah were willing and I am forever grateful to you both for bringing me into your miniature worlds through your generously shared creations. The joy of opening a package of beautifully crafted minis especially for you from a treasured friend is a delight every miniaturist should experience.
I'm so happy that you enjoyed seeing your amazing paintings in a "proper" setting, and that the people in your life might start to realize how incredibly talented you are! Minis can be a lonely hobby, so thank goodness we have found others like us who are infected with the same madness! I'll be talking to you soon, my friend!
DeleteOh I forgot to give credit for the poem to my friend Nils who wrote it for a machinima short film that he made with sims 2 (10 years ago machinima was a thing, for real :D) I used to make them too and do voice overs for my machinima friends (nerd alert! Haha). It was my creative outlet at the time. Any who he wrote that poem and had me voice it for him and I always remembered it because it was so beautiful. It seemed so appropriate to your autumn house I had to include it in your card. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. :) at the risk of embarrassing myself you can see his film here https://youtu.be/Fd6pPXLwvuo
DeleteI seem to have a habit of getting involved in autumn projects. Lolol
I am glad you told me, because I was wondering if you were a poet in addition to being an artist! The video was amazing! I saw glimpses of SIMS in there, but the production and music was so romantically done! You have a wonderful voice, and it was so great to hear what you sound like with your accent! I know, I am the one with an accent, right?
DeleteI didn't get acquainted to SIMS until SIMS 3, but it was an excellent creative outlet for designing and decorating houses to share with the community! 4, I am sorry to say... sucks. I guess I'm an old fogie! Now I am back to Nintendo with the Switch and Super Mario Odyssey, and waiting impatiently for Yoshi's release at the end of December!
Haha, no such luck! It is funny to hear people you "talk" to online for the first time isn't it.. often they sound nothing like you imagined and it's a bit strange for a moment... lol.. And yes, you are the one with the accent. Although because my hubs is American, and we get a lot of American TV, I am quite used to that accent. :D Mine is altogther different and our American friends often make fun of me when I say something they think is funny.. I often get asked how many vowels can I actually fit in the word No.. haha.. apparently the Australian way of saying it, sounds like it has a few extra. Or when I put the em-PHA-sis on the wrong Syl-Ahh-ble.. according to them.. hehe... Oh my god.. I was totally addicted to Sims 2, I used it for house building ( little virtual dollhouses for my virtual dolls) and movie making.. and I was a bit peeved when sims 3 came out because all the code breaking and modifying of files and custom content I'd aquired to customise my sims 2 game.. was going to have to be built up again if I wanted to continue. I just built houses in sims 3.. and I didn't even bother with sims 4. I do, however, think that the sims was the beginning of my dollhouse obsession.. they are just virtual dolls and dollhouses after all.. albeit animated ones.. I think I just wanted more of the same but more tangible and I got sick of them changing the game every 18 months or so and then having to start again... At least my mini stash is always there! :D
DeleteYep - they really did ruin SIMS and I felt the same about having to start over when 4 came out. 3 did eventually run sooooo slow tho after I had built subdivisions in town with about 12 model houses. See, I should have been a developer in RL!!! I really did enjoy creating my own worlds tho, and would love a new game that let me do the same. Probably best not tho - I easily become obsessed with things!
DeleteWhat a perfect headline - I'm so thankful that you've taken us out to see this special vernissage! It was pure pleasure and joy to look at these amazing pieces of art, to follow your descriptions and to enjoy the gallery theme you've arranged. Sam is really talented, I could not pick a favourite, each one of them is a special and beautiful for different reasons. And all of them together as shown in your scene are a feast for the eye. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Birgit
Thanks for the lovely comments, Birgit! It's so much fun to have beautiful mini paintings that inspire you to play! Especially one that come from the hands of your favorite miniature folks!
DeleteSam is very talented and this gallery is a perfect exposure.
ReplyDeleteShe is, Faby! And I had so much fun getting to set up her showing!
DeleteHi Jodi. What a wonderful surprise. I remember when you start making your vanities and Sam was building her tenant´s apartament and painting those beautiful landscapes. I was a witness of your agreement :). So, yes It was a surprise to me too to see that you have received no one but eight beautiful paintings!! Sam is a very generous soul but you are very deserving of every painting. I know they have arrived to the rigt place. And your gallery is just perfect for such beautiful paintings.
ReplyDeleteOh Alex! That is just so sweet and kind of you to say! I feel lucky indeed to be able to enjoy each and every one, and to have made such amazingly talented friends (such as yourself) doing this thing that I love!
DeleteLos cuadros son preciosos y expuestos en la galería quedan magníficos !!!!!
ReplyDeleteGracias, Eloisa! ¡Es encantador tenerte aquí y dejar comentarios tan amables!
DeleteThere is so much wonderful talent out there in mini-land. Sam's paintings are gorgeous and I love how you've displayed each piece. Collaboration at it's finest!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Hugs,
Teresa
Thanks Teresa! I get to see and be inspired by Sam's beautiful scenery each day! They are wonderful!
Delete