Quarterly Wildlife Artist Feature-Wes and Rachelle Siegrist

We are back with yet another exciting Wildlife Artist feature for this second quarter. Artist for Wildlife and Nature are having their first miniature show this week. Hence i wrote to Wes and Rachelle Siegrist who are masters in this format, they were kind enough to spare their precious time sharing their journey with us.

Do visit their website to check out their latest masterpieces: https://www.artofwildlife.com

Wes and Rachelle Siegrist in their studio

Name of the Artist: Wes and Rachelle Siegrist
Location: USA
Date: April 2019
Form of Art: Miniature Painting
Contact details: siegrist@artofwildlife.com
Tel: 865-448-2044

Artist Introduction

Wes & Rachelle Siegrist are award winning artists who capture the attention of viewers not with outstretched canvas but with miniature paintings so exquisitely rendered that they are often mistaken for photographs. Miniature art has been in existence for centuries and the current revival in its popularity has given rise to miniature art societies which in turn have given the Siegrists a platform for international recognition among peers and collectors. Their tiny treasures typically measure less than 9 square inches and appear even more detailed when viewed under magnification. Consequently, Wes and Rachelle Siegrist enjoy a dimension of interactivity with viewers that few painters of standard easel-size paintings enjoy. A hallmark of their work is the ability to convey the feel of larger canvases or the essence of the natural world in miniature. It is no small wonder, therefore, that the Siegrists have been referred to as "World Ambassadors for Miniature Art".

       The artists additionally have an unprecedented and history-in-the-making ongoing museum exhibition tour featuring over fifty of their miniature paintings that premiered in 2010 and is currently scheduled into 2022. A comprehensive overview of the Siegrists' nationally touring museum exhibition may be viewed at: Museum Exhibitions.

       The Artists regularly exhibit in major wildlife expositions and shows in the United States and currently participate in numerous international miniature art exhibitions. They have exhibited their miniatures in museum venues such as Birds in Art, Art of the Animal Kingdom, The Society of Animal Artists Annual Exhibitions and The Smithsonian Institution. They reside in Townsend, Tennessee beside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

So without any further delay, let us getting chatting with our special artists, shall we?

“Lurking In The Pea Soup” by Wes Siegrist, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, watercolor

• First and foremost, thank you so much Dear Wes and Rachelle for giving us your time. Could you share with us on how your journey toward art started ? What inspired you to take up art?

We both enjoyed making art as kids and spending time outdoors.  Wes studied art further in both high school and college and began his career as a fulltime artist in 1988.  Rachelle took some art classes on the college level but mostly learned from Wes and on her own how to paint in watercolor.

• Is there any preferred medium for miniature painting, if so may i know why? 

We both prefer watercolor for the simplicity – no solvents, mediums or waiting for paint to dry.  Watercolor is especially conducive to miniatures for stippling and fine, subtle washes.

• May i know how you learnt this artform? Do you have a Mentor?

Wes had formal training in watercolor classes and also read books on working with the medium.  We’ve both continued to learn through experience and interacting with other artists.  Each new painting teaches us something … either good or bad!

“Basking Behemoths” by Rachelle Siegrist, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, watercolor

• We all have our favorite artist don't we? May i know your favorite artist?

We have so many it is hard to say just one.  Each visit to a museum or exhibition finds us in awe and feeling like we still have so far to go in our art career.  Artwork that makes us stop and stand in front of it is what we seek both to enjoy visually and produce ourselves.

• Now this is the most important question. May i know how you decided to make miniatures paintings?

We stumbled into the world of formal miniature art back in the 1990s via an application to show with the Miniature Art Society of Florida (MASF).  We attended the MASF show in 1999 and were literally captivated, enchanted and addicted almost instantly.  By 2001, we made the choice to produce nothing but miniatures.  Specifically, miniatures in the formal sense of that time as defined by the miniature art societies: small size, small scale and highly refined technique.

“Rock Patrol” by Wes Siegrist, 2.5 x 4.5 inches, watercolor

• Could you elaborate the process, the tools that help you achieve such great quality in such tiny space? I am sure our viewers are also wanting to know about this?

You do have to alter your way of thinking to “shrink down” so much in such a tiny space but this mental challenge … and even the physical one of dexterity with hand and brush are part of the appeal of the process.  While we employ a variety of brushes, most have extremely fine points for the intricate details.  Initially, we relied little on magnifying glasses to produce our work but age has caught up to us.  

Almost all of the work by Wes today is done with the aid of a magnifier.  This is not only to see, but to additionally slow down the production to maintain the level of detail and refinement we want in the work.  Above all, we don’t want anyone looking really close to be disappointed!  We do use a razor blade often to lift off dust, fibers and stray brush hairs that can interfere with the process.

“Birds In Art” by Rachelle Siegrist, 3.75 x 3.5 inches, watercolor

• This one is, one of my favorite question. May i know your views on need for a society for nature artists and what can be achieved through such community for artists? 

We both feel art societies are essential to define, promote and educate specific genres.  Artists working together that have a consensus of mind and goals are capable of achieving so much that is out of reach for single individuals.  The camaraderie and shared experience create a group identity like a family.  That environment is conducive for growth so much more than trying to do it all on your own from scratch.

“Lion In The Shade” by Rachelle Siegrist, 3.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor

• Could you please share your top five tips to becoming a good wildlife artist?   

1. Experience your subject matter.  It’s true that you can make great wildlife art from photos but to take your artwork up a level and really become a “wildlife artist” you need to be there in person.  See the action, sense the environment – be inspired!

2. Practice – as with anything, the more you do the better you will become.

3. Join together with other wildlife artists.  If possible, other wildlife art societies and spend time with them in the field.

4. Seek your own way.  Do something others haven’t done but it must be something you LOVE to do.

5. Know you will fail and fail often so repeat the first four steps and remember to enjoy yourself above all in making your art.

“Uncomfortably Menacing” by Rachelle Siegrist, 4.5 x 2.5 inches, watercolor

It is such a honor interacting with you both, i am excited and thrilled to receive your response, we would like to thank you kindly for taking time out to patiently answer to all our queries!  Wishing you great success for your upcoming shows.

For our readers, you may follow their brilliant miniatures on their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SiegristMiniaturePaintings

You must check out their website for their masterclass miniatures: https://www.artofwildlife.com

We'll be back again with another interview next quarter! Artists for Wildlife and Nature are having their first miniature show coming up this week, if you are in Bangalore, don't miss it!

Watchout for artworks and discussions on our Facebook group! Artists for Wildlife and Nature :