ACEO of the Day

In The Distance

2011-03-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Another collage with stitching.

Hills

2011-03-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Surf

2011-03-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

I'm having fun with collage these days. This is a collection of torn papers glued on a piece of watercolor paper that I'd painted with acrylics. That's a bit of stitching along the bottom.

Moon Rise

2011-03-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

A collage made mostly from photos cut from magazines. The bit of green along the bottom edge is an image transfer made by coating a magazine photo with several layers of matte medium. When it was dry, I soaked it in water for a few minutes to soften the paper, then rubbed it off. All that was left was the colored ink embedded in the medium, for a transparent image. Nice.

Snowflake With Thread 3

2011-03-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

This snowflake has some zigzag stitching around the edges, plus some straight stitching along the top.

Snowflake With Thread 2

2011-03-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

Another snowflake with added stitching.

Snowflake With Thread 1

2011-03-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting lately with adding machine stitching to artwork. This has a painted background topped with a snowflake cut from plain white paper. I ran a few lines of stitching along the top.

Call for Artists: ACEO Show At The Box Gallery

2011-01-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Ohio Collage Society is holding a show of ACEOs in March. The prospectus is on their site here:

http://shirleyendesaxe.typepad.com/ohio_collage_society_news/2010/12/acco-show-at-the-box-prospectus.html

They're calling for ACCOs (Artist Card, Collage Original) but the idea is the same as ACEO: small collages in the size 2.5 x 3.5 inches. See prospectus for details.

Dropoff date is March 8. Show opens March 11.

Blue Landscape

2010-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Sketch

2010-11-18T17:06:00.001-08:00

Green Spiral

2010-11-15T18:17:00.001-08:00

Blue Pinwheels

2010-11-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

Bare Branches

2010-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

This time of year, bare branches are everywhere.

Letter Z

2010-11-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ta Da!

Letter Y

2010-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

almost done...

Letter X

2010-11-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Letter W

2010-11-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Letter V

2010-11-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Paisley

2010-11-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Fanciful pen and ink doodle.

Repost: Halloween Eyes

2010-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is an oldie but a goodie. And in honor of Halloween, I couldn't resist reposting. Enjoy. And sleep well.

Leaf and Tile

2010-08-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

A small pen drawing of a leaf against a background that looks like tiles.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54594571/leaf-with-tiles

Bamboo Floral

2010-08-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

A small pen drawing of a flower against a bamboo background.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54594445/bamboo-floral-original-ink-drawing-aceo

Letter U

2010-06-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

This letter U is similar in feel to the previous letter T, I think. It feels organic and woodsy. Originally, I'd wanted a design with a retro 70's feel. I just couldn't make that work for this letter so I'll have to try it for another one later.

Letter T

2010-06-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Letter S

2010-06-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't start out to make a sweet S, but it seems to have turned out that way.

Letter R

2010-06-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

In contrast to the Q (and S to come), here's a lowercase letter r.

Curly Qs

2010-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, sorry about that...just couldn't resist the pun! Enjoy.

Another Leafy Green

2010-05-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Another experiment with contrasting patterns.

Tropical

2010-05-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

This one reminds me of a tropical vacation. Or sherbet. Very cheerful, either way.

Letter P

2010-05-21T05:02:00.000-07:00

Letter O

2010-05-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

I like the contrast of textures in this one.

Letter N

2010-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Next in the alphabet series is letter N. A nice combination of textures.

Letter M

2010-05-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

A little tipsy, but here's our letter M.

Frilly Pink

2010-05-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

This charming little pink design makes me smile.

Woodsy

2010-05-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

This one feels organic and outdoorsy.

Purple Points

2010-05-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

This one has such a nice fanciful feel.

Leafy Green ACEO

2010-05-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

I love this light green, so fresh and springy.

Plays with Pens

2010-04-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Another little pen sketch...lots of little curlicues.

I'm an Artcardist!

2010-03-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Corey Brown over at Artcardist.com surprised me -- on my birthday no less! -- with the news that my gallery page was live. I'm delighted and honored! Stop over and take a look: http://artcardist.com/gallery-2/karen-koch

Be sure to browse the other artists in the gallery; they're wonderful!

What's an Artcardist? I'm so glad you asked. Here's a really nice definition, as well as descriptions of ATCs and ACEOs: http://artcardist.com/about

Corey also runs a blog about artist trading cards and ACEOs: http://whatisanartisttradingcard.blogspot.com

Free Shipping through March 15

2010-03-12T05:34:00.000-08:00

March 12 is my birthday, so to celebrate, I'm offering free shipping on everything in my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lifeneedsart

Since I plan on celebrating all weekend, the offer is good through March 15. :)

Anyone else having a birthday this month?

Blue Burst

2010-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

I like these new Micron pens! The colors are terrific and the ink is very easy to use: intense colors with no bleeding or smudging. And they seem to last a long time.

Drawing is so much more fun when the tools work well.

Thicket

2010-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Quite the jumble! I thought about calling it highways or spaghetti or something, but thicket works as well.

This one is black ink on a cream-colored paper. The black spaces aren't meant to be colored in fully; they're meant to have little open spots. Keeps up the jumbled theme.

Spotted Leaves

2010-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another purple doodle. I like purple! Very simple leaf shapes against a spotted background.
I thought about filling in the leaves with a pattern, but I like the simple shapes just as they are.

Stones Throw

2010-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

A change from our alphabet letters. This one is done with a dark purple ink instead of black and looks like lots of pebbles.

Letter L

2010-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Full of swoops and swirls and fancy designs, this letter L is anything but melting into the background!

Letter K

2010-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Compared to the letter L yesterday that had so much depth, this letter K seems to blend into the background.

Letter J

2010-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

A capital letter J, done with contour lines inside and out. I like the depth that the lines give it.

Letter i

2010-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

A lowercase letter i. It looks something like a butterfly, though I wasn't thinking of butterflies while I was drawing it. I was thinking of flowers. Close enough, I guess. :)

Letter H

2010-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

The straight lines in letters give me fits. I'm more comfortable with curved lines. However, I rather like this one -- especially the wiry looking designs on the sides.

Letter G

2010-02-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

Back to our alphabet series! Black ink on white bristol stock. It's similar in feel to the letter e from earlier.

Lasso Doodle

2010-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I started this doodle with the tear drop shape in the lower right, the one full of little pebbles. From there, I built each ring of patterns outward. I wanted patterns that looped around each other - spirals, circles, etc. The vertical lines on the left recede into the background, almost as if the other patterns have been torn away to reveal the lines.

Enjoy!

Pinecone Doodle

2010-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't have pinecones on the brain when I started this doodle, but looking at it now, that's what it reminds me of. Or country-style curtains.

Empty Screens Doodle

2010-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a change of pace from the alphabet series. Kind of retro looking. The shapes in the foreground remind me of TV screens. Or maybe mirrors.

The background looks like bamboo on the sides, and the center reminds me of one of those beaded things that hung from doorways the 70's.

Letter F

2010-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

So to face the challenge of an uppercase letter with all its straight lines, I bring you a capital letter F.

Very straight, very regular - but more interesting than I would have guessed starting out.

Letter e

2010-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

As with the letter d, I find the lowercase version more interesting than the uppercase. I guess I like the curved shape better than the straight lines in the uppercase E.

This one is kind of fun...I like the flow and movement in it.

Letter d - Again

2010-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

What was I saying about the shape of a letter d being interesting? Well, it is interesting enough that I had to do another. Obviously, the patterns I use to fill throughout have nothing to do with the letter d -- I just think they're interesting patterns.

Letter D

2010-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

I think the shape of a lowercase letter d is more interesting than it's uppercase form. So, here you go!

Letter C Again

2010-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

I liked the letter C yesterday so much that I thought I'd try another. This one stands out more from the background rather than blending in.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38337712

Letter C

2010-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

I like this version of the letter C a lot and intentionally let it creep outside the top border. The letter blends into the design rather than standing out.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38337876

Letter B

2010-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

And, I've made it to letter B. So far, so good!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38337490

Alphabet Series - Letter A

2010-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am fascinated by the use of words in visual art and love the shapes of letters. I've used them occasionally as subjects over time and thought it was time to try them as doodles. The designs have nothing to do with the letter -- I'm not trying to use designs that start with the letter A, like apples and aardvarks. I just like the designs.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38337321

Doodle #36

2010-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

As much as I love the wild contour lines in some of the other doodles, I really like the parallel lines in this one. Very stylized!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160394294984

Doodle #35

2010-01-11T16:37:00.001-08:00

This ACEO reminds me of something that has grown up too close to a wall and is all squished. I like how the organic form fills the space even though it looks much too big for the space. You're welcome to interpret the drawing in any way you wish.

This one is drawn with sepia ink on heavy paper.

Oodles of Doodles

2010-01-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

I've begun posting my doodles in my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lifeneedsart?section_id=6697031

I'll post a few more here over the next few days, and then we'll move on to something else. I love them and will continue to do them, but have other ideas brewing, too! Stay tuned...

End of Year Sale on ACEOs!

2009-12-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

OK, I have to confess -- my studio is overflowing with ACEOs!

To make room for new work, I'm having an end-of-year sale. I've reduced prices and am loading artwork as fast as my little fingers can type to both eBay and Etsy:

http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

http://lifeneedsart.etsy.com

Sale prices are temporary; prices will return to normal on January 3. Thanks for looking!

Doodle #34

2009-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a doodle that grew in a whole different direction than so many of the others.

This card is standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. It is an original and is signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #33

2009-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sort of reminds me of a pinwheel, don't you think?

This card is standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. It is an original and is signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #32

2009-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

In contrast to yesterday's doodle, this one has every spare space filled up. I'm not quite sure what it is, but it feels very fancy.

This card is standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. It is an original and is signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #31

2009-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I set my boundary lines, I tend to fill up the space completely. However, a few of these doodles break that pattern and leave a lot of white space, such as #19 or #22.

This card is standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. It is an original and is signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #30

2009-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Now here's a slightly different one. This is in purple ink on purple rice paper. The paper is very delicate, so I've signed it very very lightly on the back to prevent the ink from bleeding through.

This card is standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. It is an original.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #29

2009-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

So far, this is the only vertical doodle I've done. I tend to prefer the horizontal format, except for this one.

This doodle is done in green ink on bristol board.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #28

2009-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Guess I'm in the mood for New Year's Eve; this doodle feels a bit like bubbles and streamers, don't you think?

The card is done in sepia ink on bristol board. It is standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. It is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #27

2009-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always. If the last 2 were a castle and a tea room, this one is more...jazz bar?

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #26

2009-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always. This one has some similarities to yesterday's doodle, but it feels less like a castle and more like a cafe or tea room. Yes?

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #25

2009-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always. I'm not entirely sure what this one is. Tapestries? A castle? Hm...

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #24

2009-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another one in purple ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always. This one reminds me of buttons, don't you think?

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #23

2009-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Purple ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

I promise that I won't do doodles forever; I'm just having fun with them for right now. :)

Doodle #22

2009-12-15T06:00:00.001-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always.

Maybe it's the holidays, but this one reminds me of ribbons and bows. Must be all the packages I'm wrapping! ;)

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #21

2009-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #20

2009-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on illustration board. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #19

2009-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Doodle #18

2009-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ah, something different! This one is done with purple ink on patterned paper. Cool... :)

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #17

2009-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

I don't begin these doodles with a design in mind. I draw random lines to divide the card into sections and begin filling them in with patterns. I choose patterns based on what appeals to me, and the patterns I see around me. The cards evolve as I go.

Certainly not a novel process, but I'm enjoying it.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #16

2009-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on illustration board. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

I don't begin these doodles with a design in mind. I draw random lines to divide the card into sections and begin filling them in with patterns. I choose patterns based on what appeals to me, and the patterns I see around me. The cards evolve as I go.

Certainly not a novel process, but I'm enjoying it.

Doodle #15

2009-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on illustration board. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

I don't begin these doodles with a design in mind. I draw random lines to divide the card into sections and begin filling them in with patterns. I choose patterns based on what appeals to me, and the patterns I see around me. I'm especially fond of these contour lines. The cards evolve as I go.

Certainly not a novel process, but I'm enjoying it.

My ACEOs -- doodles, collages, and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #14

2009-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Doodle #13

2009-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always.

Standard ACEO size: 2.5 x 3.5. Card is an original and signed on the back.

My ACEOs -- doodles and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #12

2009-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Doodle #11

2009-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Doodle #10

2009-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Black ink on smooth cardstock. Materials are archival, as always.

My ACEOs -- doodles and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Doodle #9

2009-12-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

Black ink on smooth cardstock.

My ACEOs -- doodles and paintings -- are now available through eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Cyber Monday Sale on ACEOs!

2009-11-29T05:28:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for a Cyber Monday Sale on ACEOs? I'm working feverishly getting all the bargains lined up.

Certain ACEOs will go on sale for MONDAY ONLY! Stay tuned for details throughout the day..

UPDATE: 47 ACEOs are scheduled to go on sale on Cyber Monday. They will be available for 1 day only, starting at midnight! http://shop.ebay.com/lifeneedsart/m.html

Watch my web site for sales on other artwork: http://www.lifeneedsart.com/

What a great way to get your holiday shopping done - and give unique gifts. You can give like a superstar and save money. Nice.

p.s. Some of these ACEOs are new, never posted. You'll have a chance to grab something no one has seen yet. Just sayin'...

Doodle #8

2009-11-28T20:10:00.001-08:00

Black ink on smooth white paper (standard ACEO size - 2.5 x 3.5 inches).

I'm having a great time with these little doodles. Got a whole series of these to show.

Zentangle 7

2009-11-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink, standard ACEO size. See the Zentangle web site for the full scoop: http://www.zentangle.com

Zentangle 6

2009-11-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink, standard ACEO size. See the Zentangle web site for the full scoop: http://www.zentangle.com

Zentangle 5

2009-11-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink, standard ACEO size. See the Zentangle web site for the full scoop: http://www.zentangle.com

Zentangle 4

2009-11-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink, standard ACEO size. See the Zentangle web site for the full scoop: http://www.zentangle.com

Zentangle 3

2009-11-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

Sepia ink, standard ACEO size. I am having trouble coming up with titles for these, so they shall be known by numbers only. For now.

See the Zentangle web site for the full scoop: http://www.zentangle.com

Zentangle 2

2009-11-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

Another Zentangle; this one in sepia ink. Again on a standard sized ACEO card (2.5 x 3.5 inches).

Zentangles, Anyone?

2009-11-19T17:59:00.001-08:00

Is anybody doing Zentangles? I just ran across them in an issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine last weekend, tried one, and needless to say: I'm hooked!

Their web site does a wonderful job describing them: http://www.zentangle.com.

To oversimplify the concept, Zentangles are made of lines and repetitive patterns put together in any way that pleases you. The process is meditative and contemplative, which I really enjoy. It's amazing -- regardless of how frazzled I may be when I start a Zentangle (and I've been super frazzled this week), after 15 minutes of doing this tiny drawing, I'm calm and focused. Lovely.

A classic Zentangle is 3 1/2 inches square. Since I have bazillions of spare ACEO blanks laying around, that's what I'm using. This one above is in pencil and I rather like the softness and shading in it. The upcoming ones will be ink.

If you're doing them, I'd love to see what you're doing.