ACEO Defined: In 2004 the unique little art form known as ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) was born on online. ATC (Art Trading Cards) have been around for centuries and are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold. In contrast, artists primarily create ACEOs with the intention of selling them. ACEOs came to be as a result of the public's interest in acquiring and collecting these tiny works of art.
Today ACEOs are flourishing, (on any given day at least 100,000 ACEO originals are sold somewhere on the internet) More and more people are collecting ACEOs and art supply stores are beginning to stock specialized materials that help artists create them. Two of the greatest appeals for the ACEO are that they small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets, and they are an affordable way for people to acquire original art.
I personally discovered ACEOs on eBay in 2005 and began creating my own versions of these little works of art. My ACEOs began to sell immediately and I found myself inspired to create more. Over the years I've been able to perfect some interesting techniques and mediums for my little ACEOs. Below is one step by step of my ACEO "Houdini".
One of my ACEOs step by step:
This is the third portrait of little "Houdini". This special mouse has a sweet story that you can read here.
After I had created and sold over 500 of these little paintings, I began to think of other ways to use the finished works of art. The result was eight unique virtual "shops" where I sell prints of the small paintings as well as hundreds of art gifts such as magnets, bookmarks, greeting cards, tiles and wearable art jewelry!
Although I now paint in a larger format and illustrate children's books, I still occasionally create ACEOs. For example, here is my most recent original ACEO. The creative process of painting ACEOs "Miniature Masterpiece", is still such a joy.
Enjoy!
4 comments:
Great article, Melody; and I love Carol's words - she is right on! I love your work... and now I want to bead Houdini and the little mouse with the blue hat. :) ~ Karen
Great stuff Melody. Thanks for sharing.
All the time great choices Melody! I am really fascinated by the steps above from simple lines to a gorgeous tableau!
Very creative way of deminstrating this style of painting...I need to come back often because Your share is inspiring! I have been wanting to get back into painting but super busy this time of year in the garden.
Happy Spring.....and will follow your #aceo haas tag so keep sharing.
BG_garden
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