By Heather Markham
These are some examples of the many miniature wall plaque oil paintings I have made. They were cast in an oval plastic mould measuring 6 inches by 4 inches using self hardening/heating plaster. The actual size of the painted area is approx four and a half inches by three. There were two advantages in making them. One, was not to have to frame them as the mould shape was self framing with a twisted rope design. All I had to do was paint the edging in metalic gold or copper coloured enamel model paint.
The second advantage was the unexpected way the oil paint took to the plaster surface. It had a quick drying effect almost like acrylic paint but the paint retained the workability or spreadability of oils. Also, the oil in the paint did not cause any yellowing or discoloured leakage into the the plaster around the edge of the painting. When the painting was dry I backed each plaque with self adhesive felt and added a ribbon hanger.
The examples below were scanned in, not photographed, hence the colours and clarity are not as good as they should be.
Top right to left Midhurst lake in winter and Bognor Rocks area
Bottom Midhurst Common and Hotham Park Bognor
St Mary Magdelenes Church, Bognor and Pulborough Church.
Boxgrove river.
These were copied from pictures in books
These were copied from books on American landscapes.
The Lane at Pulborough and the Keep at Arundel castle
Ocean picture.
The top two were taken from a neighbours photos
of the Yosemite National Park
