Garden Path ACEO

Some photos wouldn't necessarily work for a larger painting, but are just perfect for an aceo. ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. They are always 2.5 x 3.5 inches. The size of trading cards.
They are affordable miniature works of art, and I love creating them.

This one photo I have intrigues me, so I am going to use it for an aceo.


I drew out the composition on heavy card stock paper.



I started with the main two flowers, keeping true to the colors in the photo. From start to finish, this one probably took me 2-3 hours.


























This is the finished piece. I decided to call it Garden Path ACEO

Donkey Portrait

I couldn't resist painting this cute little donkey. I started by sketching him directly onto the canvas. He was too high on the canvas, and had to be moved down.

I traced my sketch onto a piece of paper that I could easily see through. My lines were pretty dark so that helped alot. Then of course, I had to erase my drawing on the canvas. Using transfer paper, I then placed him correctly on the canvas.

I applied an acrylic wash over the canvas. Unfortunately the transfer lines were too light, and difficult to see clearly in areas. (I had used a piece of transfer paper that I had already used several times. Time to throw that piece out.)

I went over the lines in pencil, then gave it another acrylic burnt sienna wash to seal these lines in. That's why, if you notice on the next two pics that the canvas is darker than it is here.

As my custom, I started right in on the face after the wash had dried.

I remember when I first started painting years ago, being so concerned with what I was suppose to paint first. It usually doesn't matter, start where you want, go all over the canvas if you want. This is just the way I like to paint. Also, I have a muscle weakness called Slow Channel Myasthernia Gravis, and it helps me to start in the center to I don't rest my hand on the wet paint like I would if I painted the surrounding areas first.

I painted the rest of the donkey, happy with how he is turning out so far. At times I turn the canvas upside down to get at an area better.

I put in the feeling of grass and sky in the background. I love doing these abstract like backgrounds. Although, this pic is quite a bit washed out.

I darkened areas, and put in more highlights on the donkey to make him pop. Signed my name, and I think he's done.

The name for this guy hasn't come as easily or quickly as the last two. Looking at the painting now, I think I will name it Donkey Portrait. Not too original, but it'll work. Plus it helps me to give it a name where later on I won't forget what painting goes with that title. I've done that on a few, and it's a bit frustrating not remembering right away the name of a painting.

Chuck the Chukar aceo

Sorry about the bad photo of the drawing. My camera was washing things out.

This is an aceo that I did today. Reference photo came from my friend and client, Pat Otten.

ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. They are always 2.5 x 3.5 inches. The size of trading cards.

On the Prowl

After sketching on the canvas, I then use a burnt sienna acrylic wash to give the canvas a warm earthy tint. This also seals the pencil work so it doesn't smear or come off as I am working. I like to work from the middle of the canvas and out. I can't resist getting right in there and making the center of interest come alive.

I just wanted an abstract grassy background to show off the tiger and to give him all the attention.

Added ultramarine blue in there to give the impression of sky.

To finish the painting, I glazed over a few areas in the sky and grass to give it more depth.

I also touched up the whites and highlights on the tigers fur. Darkened the shadows by glazing. Worked on the stripes more and did that final tweaking.

The name actually came easily to me this time, On The Prowl.