Artist Trading Cards

Recently, I was invited (well, rather invited myself) to join an Artist Trading Card (ATC) exchange. The purpose of this exchange is to share a small piece of art with a fellow artist and, in return, they share a piece with you.

The standard ATC size is around 2.5 x 3.5 inches. This is small for me. I prefer working in the 11 x 14  to 16 x 20 range. I enjoy a challenge and getting involved in a project such as this is quite motivating for me.

This past week, between working full time and other things demanding my time and attention, I was able to churn out 3 of these miniature works. I worked with ink stains, acrylics, gesso, charcoal, ephemera, and molding paste on canvas paper. My goal was to create fun, whimsical pieces. Here are a few examples of some of what I'm working on thus far.

Robin Red Breast

5th Sister Original

Copyright 2015

Snow Angel

5th Sister Original

Copyright 2015

Island Girl

5th Sister Original 

Copyright 2015

Hope

5th Sister Original

Copyright 2015

I recently received my 1st ATC from a dear old friend (going back to 3rd grade!). Her substrate was a small wooden panel. I think I shall borrow that technique on future endeavors. I love her loose work, and bold use of color. And being a Kansas girl, myself...I can't help but be drawn to a subject matter dear and near to my heart: Sunflowers! Thank you, Chris!

Sunflower

Chris Exline Olson

Kitchen Table Studios

Copyright 2015

Shadow Girl

Shadow Girl

Original Mixed Media work by Polly Janos

Copyright 2015

shadow girl clings to edge of night

risking exposure at dawn's first light

Hope Chest

childhood dreams, neatly folded, safely tucked away

wrapped within whitewashed sheets, cleansed with salty tears

by victim of perverted desires, to demons falling prey

childhood dreams, neatly folded, safely tucked away

locked away in sturdy chest, forgotten were those years

buried ‘neath emptied bottles of Zin and Chardonnay


childhood dreams, neatly folded, safely tucked away

awaiting realization after facing all those fears

time capsule to be opened in light of present day 

childhood dreams, neatly folded, safely tucked away

wrapped within whitewashed sheets, cleansed with salty tears 

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Copyright 2015

Flower Girl

The Flower Girl

an original work of art by yours truly

Copyright 2015

stepping from ashes of darkest night

into world of Love's pure light

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I finally found time to complete a mixed media piece I began in a workshop I took from one of my favorite contemporary artists, Kate Thompson.