While browsing Blick Art Materials the other day, I meandered to the back of the store where I don’t usually go. Tucked away on the corner end display I found a book on Artist Trading Cards (I’ll try and remember to post the title and author when I have a chance, right now I’m not at home) along with little packs of various types of paper. I started paging through the book and really enjoyed the range of techniques they walked through…but I’m getting ahead of myself… ATCs are small, 2.5 x 3.5″ pieces of art work. The sky is the limit as far as what you can do with them… a very small chunk of sky that is… So far I’ve done three ATCs since I got the book a couple of weeks ago. The size limitation is extremely daunting…and the inspiration in the book is a little intimidating. But the informal nature of the cards has let me lighten up a bit and allow myself to play.
Lately, just getting me to work on art has been challenging. I have a tendency to over-think art and scare myself out of starting anything because I’m afraid that it will suck… but the cards trick my brain into making the art less about the final product…it’s easier to throw away a little card than it is to repaint a canvas or toss an overworked piece of watercolor paper. I don’t know, here I am over thinking it again. But the point is that I’m really enjoying what ATCs have done for me so far. Once I get used to the size and try out a few more things I might actually start trading them at organized trading events…but for now I’m just having fun building up my collection. I’ve added a new tab for them under Ishkadoodles, soon the gallery will be full of cute little works of art! I think my favorite so far is the Rose…it looks like it might be unfinished, but now I’m afraid of ruining it…see!!! over thinking it…I might go back later and work on it more…but I like it…
Cause you know…I need a new project like I need a hole in my head… oh well…it should keep me out of trouble. :p
