This is a larger piece measuring at 7.5 inches by 10.5 inches. My intention was to cut it into nine ATCs, but I am undecided about whether to cut it or not.  It was done with water-based art markers, colored pencils and ink on 140 lb. Canson watercolor paper.  Also, for the first time, I scanned the piece at several different stages during the process. If you are interested in seeing the stages of this piece, just click on this link.

Here is another portrait done on black drawing paper using colored pencils and a little bit of acrylic paint.  This was done for an "art on black" swap at iATCs . 

I did another ATC/ACEO of my friend Matt using the same photo reference as in the last piece of him I did. This time I went in a little closer and, although I used colored pencils again, this time I worked on a white background of watercolor paper rather than the black drawing paper.  I am still getting familiar with the colored pencils. I read about using odorless mineral spirits with the colored pencils to create some washes so I have been trying to incorporate that a little. It is causing me to lean more into my painting technique, which always feels different to me than drawing, but is equally pleasurable.

There is an ATC exhibition coming up in April in New Jersey, for which I may submit this card as one of my entries. I am not sure yet, but I am trying to get a few pieces done before the mid March mail date and then see if I have anything that I feel like submitting.

Here are a couple of ATCs/ACEOs done on black drawing paper.   The first one is a portrait of my good friend Matt.  He hates to have his picture taken, but he was kind enough to allow me to take some photos of him last weekend for art fodder. Thanks Matt!  I think there will be more to come out of that modeling session.

This next one is not of Matt. I used a photo reference of some other old fogey who lives around here.

One more day of work until the weekend.  I feel lucky when I manage to get some time in the studio during the work week, even if it is just to get one small card completed.

One of the more difficult things I have tried to learn in my life is to submit to, and accept, that there are some things I will never know, especially when it comes to other people.

ACEO/ATC titled "Submission" done in watercolors and ink on watercolor paper.

Here is an ATC done in ink and colored pencil on heavy watercolor paper. I did it for a swap at iATCs.  Other cards I have done for this swap are located here.  I just have a couple more to finish, yay! I have been struggling with back problems this past week, so sitting for any length of time is difficult.  I am surprised I managed to get this piece done this weekend but glad.