Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Little tiny paintings



So what's an ACEO you may ask...I know I did when I first joined Etsy and saw them listed everywhere!! After doing a little investigating, I learned that they are miniature pieces of art that only measure 2 1/2" by 3 1/2"...the baseball trading cards of the art world you might say. They are any medium from paint, glass, textile, photography, I could go on and on. Since I am a watercolor artist, I decided to try my hand at creating my own ACEOs. After all, how long could one little painting take!!! Well....I soon discovered that it isn't as easy as it looks, at least for this artist. I'm used to painting on anything from 1/4 to 1/2 sheet of watercolor paper and to hand me a piece of paper that only measures 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" and tell me to paint on is challenging!!
After many tries I think I have finally gotten the hang of these little tiny paintings. I have even sold quite a few and decided I enjoy the process that goes into making them. I love the fact that people that may not be able to afford or don't have space for the full size pieces of art, now have a wonderful option. Here are two new watercolor paintings that I have listed in my Etsy shop. In this format they look the same size, but the single blackeyed susan painting is just a little tiny painting....an ACEO.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Monday, March 9, 2009

Cottage Hydrangeas-Original Watercolor Painting


This is one my newest watercolors called "Cottage Hydrangeas". It is another in a series of paintings of my favorite flower that seems to be a favorite of many people. It's such a peaceful, old fashioned flower that reminds people of their mothers or grandmothers gardens.
This was one of those paintings that went well from start to finish. I got the desired look and feel without having to mess around with it too much. It's done on Masa paper which is soaked in water and crumpled up, then painted on. I usually crumple it up again at this stage to get a wonderful mingling of colors that is just perfect for hydrangeas.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Spring ACEO-March BBEST Challenge


My Etsy team, Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team unveiled our March Challenge today. It is to create an ACEO of any medium to swap with a fellow team mate. The only criteria is that it somehow pertains to Spring...isn't that a pleasant thought!!
Since I am stuck at home today because of the snowstorm in the Northeast, I had plenty of time to create my ACEO. It was nice to think of something springy as the snow was piling up...one foot to be exact!!!
After laying down a background of some colors on a very wet paper, these little daffodils emerged. I'm pretty happy with the result and I hope which ever team mate receives this will be happy too!!