Pocket Paintings

I've been having fun lately discovering and immersing myself in the wonderful world of ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions & Originals). An ACEO search on Etsy alone will bring up a gazillion pages of these little treasures of art in their variety of mediums. From paintings, drawings, mixed media, collages through to intricate papercut art. All unique but all sharing one thing in common. The size. The all important and very specific size. ACEOs measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches. I've been attempting to paint some ACEOs (thanks to the suggestion made by this here fab person) and I've not found them to be an easy size to work with. I generally paint in small scale, but ACEOs are REALLY small in comparison. It feels awkward at this stage but I'm hoping it will become less so with the more I do. Besides the awkwardness, I still very much enjoy making them. They are fun to do! I plan to soon list some on Etsy. Here's a small sample of some ACEOs I've painted so far. Some of these I've painted using Art Spectrum pigmented inks (I love these inks & can't gush about them enough!) and some using acrylics.


As evident here, I'm currently obsessed with painting birds that look like billiard balls. The b&w 8 ball only so far. I think I'm also obsessed with the number 8. I have a passion for all things Super 8, and 'eight' sounds like 'ate' and I'm thinking any number that relates to food is a goodie. Although if 'eight' sounded like 'brussel sprout' I don't suppose I'd like it as much.

Comments

Anonymous said…
These are charming and whimsical.
Hope you have great success with them.
So charming and inventive.
Tizzalicious said…
They are fantastic! I love the 8 ball birds!

I am thinking about making some aceo's too :D
Anonymous said…
Hey Tracy!
Thanks for the ACEO intro 101. I love the ink you tried too... your work is grand, and doesn't look or sound or smell (from here at least) anything like brussel sprouts. Good to know, eh?!
xoxox
Karen
Anonymous said…
i've never heard of aceos before. i like yours they look great. have you tried roasting brussel sprouts? only way i can eat them. very tasty.
Victoria said…
These are great!!! Love the 8 ball birds!
XUE said…
Eight sounds like the word for "prosperity" in Chinese so that's another good reason to like it! i do like the billard birds & are those relations of scooter girl?
Smarty Pants said…
Great work! I love the look fo your billard ball birdies!
They are so cute...What a great job you did.
Hellooooooo!

Get these listed! Very cool. Love the birds....Scooter/helmet does seem to be MIA, however.
The Nature Nut said…
Those 8-ball birds are so cute! Great job :o)
Marie Louise said…
Love your cards! I think you've mastered the format quite nicely. What medium are you using? Are they prints that are then painted?
Anonymous said…
Hey! These look GREAT! You are right though, the ACEO size is a little tricky to work with. Once you get used to it though....
bunbun said…
Wonderful! I love the 8 ball birds, I love it all!!!!!
You did a fantastic job on the backgrounds of the pics as well!
Hey Harriet said…
marie louise - No printmaking used. I paint with brushes using pigmented inks on watercolour paper & the acrylic ones onto canvas. All are then attached to ACEO sized cut pieces of mountboard. I'd love to try some hand-pulled prints using a 'print gocco' but I don't have a 'print gocco' yet. Hopefully one day... :)
Sarah McBride said…
WOW! those are amazing ACEO's. Seriously. I tried my hand at ACEO's once. i am not much of an artist so I decided it wasnt the route for me. But your images are amazing!!
Unknown said…
Hello there :)

those drawings are fabulous, love it :) I didnt know you like Buddha..its so peaceful right.

As for super 8, its the lucky number for chinese :) I'll send you a mystical knot feature triple 8 in the post. Mystical knot (non religious) are used by many people as it signifies infinity. check out www.wofs.com and look for the mystical knot..I hope its still there, its their top selling item. People use them for good luck and many people pay tons of money for anything that features the number 8, phone, mobile, car plates, house number etc.

definitely will top up the vits and liquid :) I sent a p/card from Cambodia to you too so hope snail-mail reach you soon.

big hug :)
Anonymous said…
You've been busy! And wonderfully so. They are really, really nice. Love those birds!
Unknown said…
your pocket paintings are so sweet.
Anonymous said…
What lovely lush round birds, I just want to hold one in my hand. You do gorgeous work.
littlebird said…
These look fantastic! i had never really considered how small and intricate ACEOs are. As with most things in life, i'll bet it is not nearly so easy to do as it looks , but clearly you have a talent for it!
I'm sure they'll sell really well : )
Jen said…
Great job! I love the contrast between bright colors and bold black lines