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| 'Across the River' 2.5 x 3.5" pastel ©Karen Margulis |
Are you in a paper rut? Do you always use the same paper for every painting? Do you have papers you love or maybe even dislike? It may be time to shake things up and try some new paper!
It is always a good idea to stick with a paper or surface for awhile so you can get to know it. If you are always working on a new surface it is hard to learn what the pastels do on each type of paper. But sometimes it is good to change it up and try or revisit some other papers. I have an idea to make it easy and fun....
Have a PAPER SWAP!
Get together with your pastel friends and have everyone bring 10 pieces of different papers all cut to ATC size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Have everyone write the paper type on the back if they know. You can use your paper scraps for these. If someone doesn't have a variety of papers they can tone them or perhaps do random watercolor washes (on sanded papers) Even non traditional paste papers are fun to try.
Put all the papers together and have everyone chose 10 pieces. Now everyone has 10 new surfaces to try. Continue the fun by having a 'Painting Bee' where everyone sits around a table with a box of pastels painting on these miniature papers.
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| A pile of miscellaneous pastel papers all cut to 2.5x3.5 inches |
We are doing a Paper Swap in my classes this week and not only are we learning a lot....it is great fun. If you aren't familiar with the small format of Artist Trading Cards (ATC) or ACEOs you might like to read my post here or see my YouTube video about displaying artist trading cards.
In my next post I will be sharing more about painting in this wonderful format!
4 comments:
OMG that top painting on this entry is an ATC??? I don't believe it. That is so beautiful!
I love the format for ATC/ACEO. That size is wonderful for so many reasons. It forces me to simplify and think of design. It lets me test anything from papers to mediums without an enormous investment in time and materials. It's always tremendously satisfying when one comes out well, but no great loss if it doesn't.
I shouldn't be surprised at all that your paintings in this format are as spectacular as your large ones. Size isn't why you're that good, skill is why you're that good. I'm still in awe.
Thank you!!! I really appreciate your comment. You made my day today! I agree with you about this size being satisfying but no great loss if they don't turn out! Exactly!!
This post prompted me to search your blog for more information on ATCs. That led to a question about storage: you recommend clear bags that are made for ATCs, and I'm wondering what thickness of fome core backing you that will fit in those bags?
I use various scraps of fomacore none are thicker than 3/8"
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