Art of the Mini-dio (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

The Lt. has led the way for us into the promised land of the changeable mini-diorama and the use of the photo backdrop to enhance its visual impact. I personally have found this to be a perfect format to display my collection and to view other collectors’ treasurers within a contextual framework. I think that one of the reasons this format appeals to many of us is its ability to tell a story quickly and clearly to the viewer. This approach resonates with my background as an art historian with a special interest in American genre painting. “Genre” is simply an art historical term for scenes of everyday life. My own area of interest has always been genre by American artists of the 19th Century such as the work of William Sidney Mount, Winslow Homer, and sculptor John Rogers. This artwork had a strong appeal for people in the Victorian age who liked their art to be realistic and tell a story. In the 20th Century genre’s continued popularity was demonstrated by the Saturday Evening Post Illustrations of Norman Rockwell. The dioramas that we create today are really a part of the continuing appeal of this earlier realism and storytelling. As may be seen from the examples I have shown here, these artworks and the mini-diorama share an emphasis on a few central characters, a simplified background to highlight the figures and an interesting and readily grasped story.
Randy

Illustrations below:
The Lt.--Anglo-Zulu War 21stc
William Sidney Mount--News in the Country 19thc
Winslow Homer--Home Sweet Home 19thc
John Rogers--One More Shot 19thc
Norman Rockwell--The Runaway 20thc

 

[plasmapulse]

Lt, you have just been bombarded prophet AND artist all at once .

 

[PolarBear]

Below is a good example of the relation between 19thc American genre painting and a contemporary mini-dio. The mini-dio is by Larry Simons from his March Through Times website illustrating John Jenkins French & Indian War figures. The two American paintings are Mount's "Eel Spearing at Setuaket" and George Caleb Bingham's "Fur Traders on the Missouri". Notice that Larry has placed his canoe on a slight diagonal giving it a sense of motion to convey the frantic energy of the French canoeists. In contrast in the 2 paintings the boats are parallel to the picture plane creating a sense of stillness and calm. These contrasting types of arrangement as used by artists can be applied to our dioramas to create different moods in telling our sories.
Randy

 

[panda1gen]

'Cor Blimey', great dios and an education! Thanks Polar Bear. Love the Zulu shot btw - I'm sure Lt is pleased that the competition - or rather collaboration - is so good.

 

[wadepat]

Hi Randy,

I find the information you posted regarding the Art of the Mini-Dio to be remarkably interesting. Thanks for presenting this information!

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[PolarBear]

Yes Panda

That's one of the Lt.s great Zulu series. I believe he will be sending a set for us to drool over on the TF Photo Gallery soon.

Randy

 

[PolarBear]

Thanks Pat--once a teacher always a teacher -even in retirement.
I love the collaboration and creativity that the forum has sparked for all of us. These are exciting times.

Randy

 

[panda1gen]

Thanks Pat--once a teacher always a teacher -even in retirement.
I love the collaboration and creativity that the forum has sparked for all of us. These are exciting times.

Randy

Agreed, long live collaboration!

 

[The Lt.]

Once again Randy you continues to amaze me with your posting both of photos and story lines and I look forward on a daily basis to see what you've posted on a given subject. Please, please, please continue....The Lt.

 

[kilted vampire]

Nice work Randy, and you Lt.