Only Jewelry

Tamara Browning | Prairie Art Alliance artist finds inspiration in breakfast The State Journal-Register

19.11.09

Artist TIFFANY BEANE’s vision of pleasure includes a plate of two slices of fried bacon and two eggs sunny-side up.

Her miniature watercolor and colored pencil piece “Plate of Happiness” ($180) is displayed in the Prairie Art Alliance’s H.D. Smith Gallery at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Beane continues her “breakfast theme” with the miniature watercolor/colored pencil works “Sticky Bun Morning” and “Sunday Morning, Grandma’s Style,” showing a plate of waffles topped with butter and blueberries (each $180).

Beane, who also is displaying portraits, still lifes and photography at the gallery, said the miniatures serve two purposes: to offer smaller, affordable pieces to art purchasers, and to help her explore other ways of painting.

“There’s kind of a movement that happened a few years ago in the art world where artists had started to paint miniatures,” Beane said. “Artists viewed it as a way to allow people to collect their work who might not be able to otherwise be a collector.”

Beane said it occurred to her one day that, “I really want to paint eggs. I want to paint eggs,” she says.

“Honestly, it’s the truth because of the texture of the egg and the brilliant, golden color in the center of the yolk. When you do these miniatures, it’s kind of nice because you can explore a creative desire without committing to it in a massive time commitment.”

Beane is among artists displaying their artwork during the exhibition “A VIEW FROM AFAR,” to be displayed through Dec. 23.

Watercolorist SHIRLEY CALDWELL SMITH and jewelry artist POPPY VINCENT are also featured artists in the exhibit.

Smith says in her artist’s statement that painting brings her happiness and that she hopes her “paintings bring pleasure and happy associations to viewers.”

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