Sydney Cromwell
Karen Libecap
Artists Incorporated member Karen Libecap works on a new tiny painting. She tries to get as much detail as she can using watercolor and colored pencils.
How did you get started as an artist?
I have always been around art my entire life. My mother was an artist and my father was an engineer. My gymnastic coach in high school had a graphic design company that I worked at the summer before college and decided that was what I wanted to do.
What drew you to make tiny paintings?
When I was little I would write stories in as tiny print as possible and do illustrations to go with it. Within the last six or seven years, I started painting. I reconnected with my high school sweetheart here in Birmingham, and he has been my biggest inspiration and supporter and encouraged me to start painting. I have dabbled in most of the mediums, but pastel and watercolor are my favorites. My tiny paintings are mostly watercolor with gouache and colored pencil for some detail.
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in many places throughout my life. I moved to Birmingham 8 years ago and am very happy to call it home. I went to school at Kent State University for graphic design and worked as an art director/freelance artist for several years. I owned and operated a photography studio and art studio where I taught art classes to kids and adults. Currently I am doing commissioned art, which includes portraits, house renderings and pets that keeps me busy when I am not doing my tiny art. I only had a few painting classes in college so am mostly self-taught.
What is your favorite part about your art?
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.
What is the most difficult part?
With each one, I try to get more and more detail, which is hard in a 1¼-by-1¼ square space.
What project are you working on right now?
I just finished Bluff Park Art Show and Kentuck. I am trying to complete one a day, but it doesn’t always work.
If you could redo one piece, what would it be?
I started doing the tiny paintings about a year ago, and I have learned techniques from doing so many that enable me to get more detail. I would like to redo all the ones from the beginning!
Why do you like being an artist?
I am so blessed to be able to do what I love every day! I love the challenge that each new painting brings. I love to see the clients’ appreciation of my work, and I love that I am able to preserve a person or memory in a creative way that will be appreciated for years to come.
I have recently been featured on Huffington Post, MTV News, Bored Panda, My Modern Met and many other blogs for my tiny paintings. The interest in my work has been overwhelming, but I am so thankful and honored.
To learn more about Libecap’s tiny — and full-sized — paintings, visit karenlibecap.com and find her on Facebook, Etsy and Instagram.
