ATCs & ACEOs

I discovered something new recently. The world of Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) and Artist Cards Editions and Originals (ACEOs). These are small works of art that are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" in size. Some artists trade them (ATCs), others sell them (ACEOs), which accounts for the two different names. On my pad of Winsor& Newton 140 lb Hot Press watercolour paper, I can fit 8 or 9 of these cards on one sheet. It is a fun way to try out new techniques and play with series of images. In playing with these, I came up with two small series.

This first series is of some tiny Christmas balls I have. I've always loved tiny things so doing tiny art of wee Christmas balls seems a perfect intro into the world of ATC/ACEOs!
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This next series is my favorite so far and one I may attempt to recreate much larger in oils in the future. These gave me more enjoyment painting than I've had in a long time (and I really like to paint!)
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Sunflowers

There is something about sunflowers that just makes me want to paint them. It's rather funny really, because I'd never say they were one of my favorite flowers. But I love the contrast of that bright yellow with the dark centers. I actually set up this still life for an oil painting, which is in progress on my easel, but they begged a watercolor sketch as well. Happy Autumn!

A place in the sun

Autumn has arrived here in Flagstaff. The cool days and chilly nights have led me to add a couple blankets to the bed and rearrange the furniture so that I have a spot to sit in the afternoon sun.

Coffee Break

I'm a tea drinker rather than a coffee drinker, but coffee was the theme of one of the scavenger hunt challenges. This sketch includes a coffee mug I never use (except when company comes!), a slice of cake, a coffee packet and something to measure with.

Kitties working

Every cat has a job ~ Mollie and Thomas spend their day watching the birds and chipmunk on the patio! I think this is one of my very favorite watercolor sketches that I have done!

A can, something powdered that you can cook with and a green vegetable are the subjects of this hunt sketch. Hmmm, wonder what else we could add to come up with something yummy? I'm thinking a nice Spanish rice with sugar snap peas in place of green peppers!

Hidden Objects

Another Wet Canvas scavenger hunt sketch. This subject was to do a fireplace, but mine is hidden, so I decided to go ahead and sketch that anyway. The perspective was funny in order to get a glimpse of the fireplace (can you see it tucked back there behind the plant and TV?) and it skewed the rest of the sketch. One to learn from.