Russ Lawrence handed each artist in Englewood one miniature 2-inch-by-3-inch canvas and easel this past winter and said, “Merry Christmas.”
When they finished, the artists among Englewood’s half dozen art galleries purchased additional canvases and easels at local supply stores like Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts. Some framed their final works. Others painted their easels in popping colors. Instead of sticking with a miniature canvas, one artist used glass as a medium in creating a tiny piece of art.
Lawrence says he wanted the artists in the newly formed Englewood Arts and Entertainment District to take on the challenge and shy away from their typical 16-inch-by-20-inch canvases. Media like watercolor, glass, pastels, oils and photography transformed the blank slates.
“My life motto is life is a canvas. I am the brush,” says Lawrence, an Independence resident and a longtime historic Englewood district supporter. “Life is what you paint it – paint a pretty picture.”
The experience served as Independence resident Connie Boswell’s first experience with miniature canvases. An artist at Winner Road Gallery, Boswell typically uses masonite instead of a traditional canvas and paints exclusively with a palette knife and acrylics.
“I tried to be more loose,” Boswell says, laughing, of the miniature experience. “I will do more small spaces, though I don’t know if I will do that small of a piece again. It was fun, and I will try to do some smaller pieces, especially now with the way the economy is.”
Even in their small size, Boswell’s creations showcase detailed landscapes.
“I enjoyed the minis because it didn’t take nearly so long to do, but I found that I am still paying attention to detail, even if it’s small,” Boswell says. “No matter what size you are painting, you are always going for good light, color and composition.”
The miniature works of art come at a time when Englewood is aiming to make big strides in Independence. Last year, the Independence Council for Economic Development commissioned a study to determine the feasibility of an arts district in Englewood. Visit www.englewoodartsdistrict.org for more information on the district.
Art Walks are now a monthly feature on the third Friday of each month as Englewood, at Sterling Avenue and Winner Road, opens its doors with gallery openings, music, plays and other events. The district’s galleries include the Green Dog Gallery, Stone Bridge Art Gallery and Changing Seasons Art Gallery, all owned by Lawrence, as well as the Winner Road Gallery, Frick Electronics Modern Art Gallery, B-Vogue Salon & Art Galley and the Puppetry Arts Institute.
