Life in Miniature

IN THIS AGE, an exquisite handpainted portrait is an uncommon luxury. Which is why Somerville-based artist Kelly Carmody could be considered slightly anachronistic: While her MassArt peers pursued contemporary styles, Carmody studied techniques of the old masters. Intrigued by the American portrait miniatures popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, she began to render her friends in timeless settings on tiny canvases. The handsome, heirloom-quality keepsakes were a hit, and Carmody’s portraiture business, In Little, was born.

5-by-7-inch custom matted portrait, starts at $1,250; inlittle.com.

Images courtesy of Kelly Carmody