Grumpy Old Men, original miniature portraits in vintage frames

Miniature Portraits 13 & 14 : “The Critics”

The best thing about watching the opening and closing credits of The Muppets, was waiting for Statler and Waldorf’s cutting one-liners! 

I’ve loved rewatching some of the old episodes, and still laugh watching those two grumpy old men rip holes in the performances… particularly Fozzie Bear’s stand-up comedy!

Over my desk are the two LEGO minifigures of the critics… they personify the critical thoughts that regularly go through my head as an artist. Criticism can be positive and negative… but it’s a necessary part of the creative process.  Without criticism, there can be no growth. What I love about these two characters, is their criticism is in the form of a joke… which helps remind me to welcome criticism and not take myself too seriously. 

So these two portraits celebrate Statler & Waldorf, a couple grumpy old men whose main enjoyment in life is… well… being grumpy old men! 

Two miniature portraits on heavy card stock in vintage gold resin frames. Wall display. These have been varnished so there is no need for glass... dust regularly and spot clean with a slightly damp cloth. 

Art Process : These frames originally held vintage prints of famous German art. I removed the glued-on backing, then cut new paper to fit the frames. After priming them black, and doing several studies, I painted the miniatures. Once fully dried I coated the paintings with several layers of matte varnish to protect the artwork. Then I carefully trimmed down the edges of the art to fit it back in the frame. Once glued back in, I added  a new patterned back to seal it all in. 

Frame : 17 x 14.75 cm (5.75 x 6.75 inches) Wall display.

Art : 10 x 12.5 cm (4 x 5 inches)