Aza Adlam

I remember what it was like to be enthralled and inspired by the processes and techniques required for miniature painting, and always try to enthuse people so that they come away feeing the same, and wanting/feeling able to continue. Above all, they are here because they want to learn something, and should be able to enjoy that process, coming away with something they are proud to have achieved so far, and wanting to achieve more.

A sound knowledge of the techniques required in order to create miniatures in the traditional way, principally using stippling and hatching on a background wash, and the various ways in which to achieve the best results.

Well, it seems I am becoming known as the “egg lady”! I try to persuade both beginners and the more experienced painters to take part in “the egg exercise” in which they spend a short time in doing a miniature painting of an egg. If they have done this previously, then it is a means for them to see if their work has become more detailed/precise since they last “did an egg”and for a beginner it is a perfect way to demonstrate the art of stippling (using small dots to create tone and shading using minimal colours). Several students who had been painting for some time did this rather reluctantly recently, and all commented on the fact that they had never really grasped the principal before, and all said they had benefitted from “being persuaded” to do it. So it looks as though I shall continue it! Also, although more experienced students generally will have found a method which suits their own style, I try to promote the methods I use when I paint myself, using a tile to create a palette and a water dropper to minimise the amount of water used when applying the paint.

Seeing what amazing work is achieved at the various exhibitions of miniaturists’ work.

On the gallery pages of my website.

Initially on several courses at West Dean College in the late 1980’s early 1990’s, and since then attending as many courses and doing as many paintings as I could fit in with running a busy business.

I have been teaching miniatures since 2005/6 after selling my own picture framing business in 2002 and completing a Ceramic Restoration and Conservation course at West Dean in 2004/5. Teaching seemed a natural progression for me as I really enjoy enthusing others and passing on the skills I have acquired. To this end, I now teach all of my various hobbies and interests, especially in Bristol where I live, doing workshops in picture framing, china restoration, stained glass and miniatures.

I belong to both the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists and the Limners.