I am continuing my exploration of artist trading cards as an art format. I got to say, it is somewhat addicting. The small format makes me feel liberated and as if the stakes are not high - in case I mess up my drawing/painting.
As such, off course this month I have dedicated a decent amount of time into producing and exchanging some more artist trading cards.
I have hold on to this one though, even as I received a lot of kind compliments to it. I really like how this one came out, it was done using color pencil over a layer of watercolor.
I have also continued to experiment with scraperboard (or scratchboard). It is becoming one of my favorite mediums for ATCs. The final result rarely disappoints me. You can find all of them, with titles and description in here.
And I also dabbed a little bit into using black paper, which I rarely do (even though I have 2 sketchbooks with black paper to fill in with sketchs!). All the ATCs below are done with color pencils in black paper.
Made some experimentations with combining gouache with color pencil. These didn't turn out so great. I think next time I'll need to use a smoother paper since a textured paper is not the best for colored pencil.
I also made quite a few ATCs in my favorite medium: watercolor, watercolor and ink, and I had this idea of trying to combine my drawings/paintings with some calligraphy. I am terrible at it but I would love to get better, so I have to start somewhere.
So I have applied this for a series that I am starting for birds, but I feel the effect is not quite there, I think I still need to practice and think more about composition, because the ATC feels a bit crammed (first one below, top left).
Lastly, I also thought it would be fun to make "cover illustrations" for 2 of my favorite books - "Flowers for Algernon" and "The left of darkness", and I am quite happy about how those turned out.
I have some ideas for a few more, so that is a project that I'll hopefully continue as well in the months to come.
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