Hayley Brown’s Indian Miniatures are exquisite to say the least. I have fallen in love with the beautiful intricacy of these paintings. This detailed and highly skilled art is demonstrated on a number of canvases. Brown showcases her art on gesso panels, ceramic tiles, furniture and even wooden instruments! With a family connection to India, Brown is extremely passionate about all things Indian. Her artwork takes inspiration from this passion, and seeks to represent the romantic and poetic aspects of India’s royal past. Forget Nicholas Hilliard and the stuffy miniatures of good old Lizzie the first. These are emotive, luxurious, passionate pieces including Indian motifs such as peacocks, Sari costumes and elephants.
Brown tells me that miniature painting developed in eastern India in the 10th century. These were painted onto palm-leaf manuscripts and the intricate style spread to western India throughout the 11th and 12th centuries. These colourful images, created with delicate brushstrokes, were celebrated throughout India and the miniature art form evolved into two distinct strands. One strand was rooted in religious traditions – depictions of Buddhist divinities and scenes from the life of Buddha; favoured by the royals and wealthy. By the 14th century, paper had replaced palm leaves and new patterns and images were being explored, such as flora and fauna, and human figures. This wonderful history gives the art an almost magical quality.
Created using traditional techniques, Brown paints each piece with a single hair squirrel brush, using miniature strokes and burnishing with agate. This is a painstaking process, requiring the utmost patience and is something which Brown has definitely mastered. Brown takes inspiration from the Mughal Miniatures which spanned the 1500s to early 1800s. These were vivid and realistic, evoking an imperial image in all its majesty. Mughal incorporates a unique blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. The miniatures are usually painted on 15cm x 15cm surfaces, however, Brown is also not afraid to paint ‘big’ and has been involved in creating murals for walls and panels- my favourite being a huge Buddha in lotus position.
Brown takes inspiration from some of my own favourite artists- Kahlo, Klimt and Botticelli to name a few, and this can seen in the opulent, vivid, ornamental qualities to her work, with her sumptuous purple, blue, gold and cerise colours. Brown’s miniatures and oil paintings are available through her website to purchase, and she can also take commissions. If you really take a shine to these elegant 
pieces you can even have a go at painting them yourself! Brown will be teaching the art of Indian miniatures at the V&A, and is currently looking into holding classes in the local area. All interested Brightonians should keep their eye on her website at www.indianminiatures.com for all the latest info.
By Hannah Bradbury.
