Artists like to try new techniques. They always want to be creating. At the Wellington Art Society, I introduced the group to Artist Trading Cards. ATCs are a great way to try a new technique and to see what others are doing. They are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" mini works of art. Because they are small, it's easy to try something new. And because you are trading them with others, and making one for everyone, you have a chance to perfect that technique. Especially when you're making about a dozen. ATCs are usually done on paper or cardstock, but I've seen them made on acrylic, metal, and fabric. The great part is that you can use whatever you want. And embellish them any way you want. There is no judgment, because it's not art you're trying to sell. You are just trading them with other artists. You make one for them and they give you one in return. In the end, you get a pretty nice collection of ATCs, showcasing the artwork of your friends.
We occasionally meet to trade ATCs. We usually pick a theme for the cards, simply to help you get some ideas rolling. And we always go out to dinner to do our trading. It's a nice excuse to get together for a social night out. Last week we traded ATCs with a Winter theme. We stretch that theme a bit, since we've been getting mostly 80-degree weather this Winter in Florida. We can still dream of snowmen and snowflakes through our art.
Marie Lentine layers many papers and words in a nice collage technique. She collects inspirational words and goes through her files to see which words work best.
