SOCIETY NEWS

ROYAL AWARD

In 2001 His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales became Patron of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers (RMS). The Society is delighted to announce that His Royal Highness has generously approved an award scheme to be named “The Prince of Wales Award for Outstanding Miniature Painting”. 

Elizabeth Meek, the Society’s President, said:

“The Society is extremely proud and honoured by His Royal Highness’ further support and I am sure this award will be much coveted by the winning recipient.”

The inaugural award will be presented at the 2012 RMS Annual Open Exhibition, which takes place at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London between 16 to 28 October.

Some Award Winners talk about their work and inspiration:- 

"The Peter Charles Booth Memorial Award is a beautiful solid silver plate engraved with the artist's name, the date and the title of the work for which it is given.

I am thrilled and very honoured to have received the award at the RMS Exhibition this year.  I also feel very humble when I consider the calibre and standing of the talented artists who have received it in the past.

My miniature painting entitled "Windfalls" was the work chosen. It is in watercolour on vellum and measures 2.5 x 3 inches.

Windfall apples lying in the leaves and grass under the trees in our garden were the inspiration for the painting. I loved the rich, vibrant colours of the apples and their solidity and heaviness, which contrasted with the fragility of the fallen leaves and grass in which they nestled.  

I photographed them and then selected five apples and together with leaves and grass, set up an arrangement in my studio from which to work. The apples were painted entirely from life, the background from life and also with reference to my photographs.

The finished miniature is my personal favourite of the work I submitted this year and together with the exquisite award will be kept and treasured by my family now and in generations to come."  

Marian Tumelty VPRMS, SBA, SWA  

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I have been painting miniatures depicting British wildlife for some time as I live in the country and am lucky enough to see a variety of interesting wildlife all around me.

Whatever I see around me gives me the inspiration to try and capture in a painting that moment in time. I strive to convey the beauty of the wild birds, mammals and wild flowers which I see in my garden and the local area that give me so much pleasure.
 
It was a wonderful surprise when I was told that the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery had selected my painting of a Nuthatch for the 2011 Subject Miniature award.  I felt it was a very great honour - for as usual I was amazed by the quality of all the other beautiful miniature paintings displayed in the exhibition.  

Pam Mullings RMS HS

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I was absolutely delighted to win the President's Special Commendation Award and Gold bowl Hon Mention this year.

Venice really inspired me as a subject for a miniature painting, because its scenery is so timeless and unique. I enjoy painting scenes with water in them as I think this adds to the tranquil atmosphere. I also like the challenge of working to this scale as I've found it to be one of the hardest things I've done.

It takes me quite a few days to produce these miniature paintings working from my photographs. I build the painting up gradually with about three coats or layers, the first coat being the toughest, having to draw it in so precisely with the brush. No matter how careful I am or how long I spend putting down the first coat, it always looks scruffy! I build up the layers gradually to the final polished artwork, leaving some of the painting with just its first or second coat.  

Erica Youngman ARMS HS

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I am overwhelmed by winning two more awards this year. In the presence of such top quality work by the most amazing artists I feel very humble to have been considered worthy of the RMS Group Award & the Gold Bowl Hon. Mention. Entering my first ever painted miniatures in 2010, not sure whether they would be accepted, let alone sell & win awards, inspired me to paint more, & just seeing everyone else’s work to try & paint to a higher standard. Again, in 2011, receiving the two awards, meeting other miniaturists & becoming an Associate of the Society I have found so encouraging, & indeed challenging, seeing the very high standard of everyone’s work. Must try harder!

Rob Ritchie RMS