Ex-milkie's pint-sized paintings
A former milkman is becoming known across the globe for his pint-size paintings which are designed to grace the walls of dolls' houses. A former milkman is becoming known across the globe for his pint-size paintings which are designed to grace the walls of dolls' houses. Dave Williams, aged 56, was always good at art at school but left the classroom behind at the age of 15 and only took up painting again 20 years ago. But now Dave has scaled down his passion and two-and-a-half years ago decided to try his hand at making miniature watercolour and acrylic paintings for a doll's house owned by a friend. It was a decision that changed his life because his intricate pictures of famous castles and Worcestershire cottages have gained demand on the internet and from collectors in America. The success of his artwork has now spurred him on to making scaled-down furniture. Dave, who works part-time at B&Q in Kidderminster, claims he does not use a magnifying glass for the intricate paintings. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
A former milkman is becoming known across the globe for his pint-size paintings which are designed to grace the walls of dolls' houses.
Dave Williams, aged 56, was always good at art at school but left the classroom behind at the age of 15 and only took up painting again 20 years ago. But now Dave has scaled down his passion and two-and-a-half years ago decided to try his hand at making miniature watercolour and acrylic paintings for a doll's house owned by a friend.
It was a decision that changed his life because his intricate pictures of famous castles and Worcestershire cottages have gained demand on the internet and from collectors in America.
The success of his artwork has now spurred him on to making scaled-down furniture.
Dave, who works part-time at B&Q in Kidderminster, claims he does not use a magnifying glass for the intricate paintings.
"You need a good light. I have to take my reading glasses off for the fine detail but my optician has said I should keep them on but I find glasses just aren't good enough," he added.
"Miniatures are classed as paintings that are seven inches by five inches or smaller.
"The smallest I have painted were three-quarters of an inch by five-eighths but usually they are about three inches by two-and-a-half inches."
He takes between 30 minutes and five to six hours to complete one of his tiny works of art.
Dave, from Spennells, Kidderminster, added: "When I took up painting 20 years ago the first picture I did was of the Waggon and Horses at Bewdley.
"Two-and-a-half years ago I tried a miniature for a friend and became hooked. Now I find it difficult to consider going back to full-scale works.
"Collectors, particularly from America, have been buying. I am also looking at doing fairs where miniatures are sold and people can buy my work through www.harvington.com
"It was a bit of a gamble when, after retiring as a milkman and working with a car rental company, I decided to become a full-time miniature artist in 2005 but now my creations sell for between £20 and more than £100."
