Monday, August 4, 2008

ATC's

Here are a few of the ATC's that I have made. I really do try to learn about all kinds of art. I usually go back to making jewelry and sewing, but I do love to dabble with new techniques. That's one of the things I like about being in an artist's group. I made these after our ATC session at the library in Feb. 2007. I usually work much larger than this, so I really had to put on my thinking cap for these little works of art. While I am used to setting up a designated area on my paper or canvas for my painting or drawing, I feel somewhat confined by this smaller area. If I box myself in too much with sizes, I get anxious and decide before hand that I just know that I won't like this. Maybe it's just the rebellious child that still resides in me. You know, the one that says "that's not fair, what if I want it bigger than 3-1/2 x 2-1/2?". Do you have one of those smart aleck kids still there? I'm sure you don't.


Here is a shot using clothes pins as a size indicator. I get confused sometimes when looking at art, as to what size it really is. This gives a visual indicator that they really are ATC's.

Since what I really love to do is draw, my first ones were a series of pen and ink "sprites" that have eyes peeping out at you from various hiding places.



These ATC's gave me a chance to branch out into using various techniques. On these, I used magazine pictures that were gesso covered and embellished.


This next batch was my first step into the world of collage. This truly was a first for me and I still sometimes add words and journaling to some of my art. I wish I was better at that.


This last one is just so not me. I like the way it turned out, though. I really like studying the romantic images collaged and combined with ribbons and lace that other artist's do so well. I thought I would try my hand at it.



While I am happy with the way it turned out, it's just not my personal style. I like colorful and bold, almost commercial-like images for my art. This may be why I liked working in commercial printing so much.

If I were given a choice of a Victorian style costume, versus something like, maybe a Flapper's costume...you'd better make way for some serious bead swinging and heel kicking, because there is definitely a flapper waiting in the wings of my swirly brain. I'd rather do the Charleston than the Virginia Reel, any day.

What would be your favorite time period to have experienced? I love fashions and customs and cultures of bygone days. Let's have a virtual costume party. Maybe someone will throw one. Is anyone out there game? Let me know and I'll be there with bells on, (more likely beads, but that goes without saying).

Well, that's all for now. Keep doing your own special art, and keep loving yourself and your family and friends. Talk soon, TA, TA.

5 comments:

Pocket Full of Prettys said...

Love the drawings with the little eyes peeping out! They are so cute. Great ATC's too! Hugs***Renea

Anonymous said...

I love your ATCs! :-) For me, ATCs are perfect because I have a tendency to work small. I always have... even with my sculptures and the way I write (tiny writing). I just joined a chunkie (4" x 4") swap and am worried about what I am going to do with the extra space!

As far a time period, I would love to go back to Ancient Greece and Rome to see what their much-before-their-time "modern" culture was like and to see their artwork before it was in ruins.

Suzie said...

That is some very cool stuff. I love your style. You should do a give away with some of your art if youre willing to part with it

Anonymous said...

Love the cards and the sketches. I'm with you on the flapper girl. I'd rather do the Charleston. :)

Kims Art said...

Boho is my style 60's and 70's, I loved it then and still love it today with a little victorian sprinkled in. I love the flapper era too! I like everything about the 50's but not the cloths. I love it all! I totally get what you mean about working so small. I love what you did though,it's great! I just bought some canvas today 16 x 20, but I'm thinking I still want it larger than that. It's hard on the eyes working so small. Have a great week!