Karen Libecap, a talented artist in Alabama, paints unbelievably tiny paintings of animals, objects and pop-culture characters. Some of her miniature paintings are so tiny that they’d fit on the face of a coin!
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Research suggests that we’re drawn to things we can “possess” or “master.” Small items feel personal and special, inviting us to interact in a way that larger objects can’t.
Libecap talks about having ADHD and the benefits of working small to finish her paintings. Consider these other reasons painting small might benefit someone with ADHD or anyone for that matter. For someone with ADHD, creating miniature art can be especially meaningful. The focused, hands-on process of making something small offers a sense of control and completion. Miniatures provide clear boundaries, making it easier to concentrate and find satisfaction in finishing a project. The act of zooming in on details can also be soothing and meditative, helping artists channel energy and creativity in positive ways.
Thinking about the way tiny replicas appeal to us, I wondered about the history of the dollhouse. The earliest examples were from Ancient Egypt, but in the 16th and 17th century Europe, dollhouses, (also called a “baby” or "cabinet" house) were popular among the elite and closely associated with social class and status. These houses were replicas of the houses of their owners and were not intended for play but instead as a means to reflect wealth. Later dollhouses were used for the education of girls and eventually became a children's toy. (The Dollcarvers)
Below: Dutch Cabinet Kitchen House
Late 17th Century, Victoria and Albert Museum
"Most of my paintings are no bigger than 1.25" x 1.25" - Libecap
I love to see the connection people have to my tiny paintings. I do a lot of vintage items, and it is fun to see the nostalgic memories. I love that I can be random, which is kind of how my mind works. One painting is a chocolate cake and the next might be Rock ’em Sock ’em robots. The possibilities are endless. Plus, I can usually finish in one sitting. I have difficulty completing some of the bigger pieces.
Above: She uses her fingernail as a pallet, a quarter for reference of scale
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If you want to learn more about the "Baby/Cabinet" Houses and you like historical fiction, read The Miniaturist by Jesse Burton or watch the PBS Masterpiece version on Prime Video.
Create a miniature painting or drawing (no bigger than 1.25" x 1.25"). Focus on packing as much detail or emotion as possible into the tiny space.
Design a “mini world” on a sticky note: a landscape, city, or imaginary scene.
Try sculpting or assembling a tiny object from clay, paper, or found materials (think: a miniature chair, animal, or food).
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About the Artist: Karen Libecap
When I was little I loved tiny things. I would write stories as small as I could and do tiny illustrations to go with them. I often got into trouble in school for writing too small. I grew up in an artistic environment with my mother who loved to paint and sew, and my father who was an engineer. It made sense for me to want to pursue and education in art when I went to college. However, those plans changed a bit when I was told I was not good enough to go into the illustration program. So I went a different route and studied graphic design and stopped painting for many years.
In 2009 I started painting again and tried everything. Oils, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, but was having a hard time finishing the larger pieces. I thought if I did small paintings I would be able to finish and it was like I had finally found my calling. I love how I can be super detailed and have literally unlimited subject matter and be able to finish before losing interest (thank you ADHD!) When I started doing tiny paintings they would take me about an hour to finish. but the more I do, the more detail I try to get in them. So now they take anywhere from 4 hours to a couple of days depending on how much detail and how much coffee I've had.
I am very thankful I have found a passion to pursue. I believe that if you do what you love, you will succeed. Every new painting is a challenge that I can't wait to conquer.
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