Halloween Art Cards Make Originals Affordable

I have not painted many Halloween artist trading cards in a while and thought it was time. Artist trading cards (ATC), or as eBay calls them art cards, editions and originals (ACEO), are tiny works of art created on a standard size of 2-1/2" by 3-1/2" sheet. They were originally intended for artists to trade works of art with each other, and they were never to be sold. But they caught on with the masses, because they make original works of art affordable for everyone. I have painted many of these in past years and began moving toward larger paintings. But in this economy, I figured it was time to offer an original work for the same cost as one of my prints.

I've listed this original Halloween watercolor on eBay and you will find my auction here. Look for other Halloween ACEOs on eBay by some of my fellow Eclectic Halloween Artists Guild members by using the search term, "EHAG." Now, I'm off to continue preparing for upcoming art shows Tinsel and Treasures, September 10, in Alamo, CA, and then Halloween and Vine, September 24, in Petaluma, CA. Happy Halloween...soon! 

Who lives in Black Cat Cottage?

A lonely cottage in the woods is home to three black cats and who? It's Halloween and the moon is full, as a witch flies across the October sky followed so many bats. This is an original 5x8" watercolor mounted on black matboard now available on eBay.  

More watercolors are to come as I prepare for Tinsel and Treasures, Saturday, Sept. 10, and my newest show Halloween and Vine, Saturday, Sept. 24! I'm so elated to be part of this all Halloween folk art show in Petaluma. Head to the website to see all the other fabulous Halloween artists I will be joining! 

Also, don't miss the EHAG Emporium debut tonight! Lots of fabulous Halloween art up for grabs by my fellow artisans. Hurry to get the best selection!

Ain't No Bones About It

Summer is in full swing, although you wouldn't know it by our daytime temperatures. With a high of 75 to 80 degrees just outside San Francisco, I'm enjoying the cool summer breezes while I dream of fall. My Halloween watercolors are in full swing, while I list a few on eBay. The one pictured is more illustrative and whimsical than my usual, but I was in a JOL-ly mood when I painted it! ;0) It's listed on eBay now, and you can click here to head on over.

I've also started on some large paper mache pumpkins, witches and ghosts. Getting back to the medium is so enjoyable, especially when I can work outdoors. I hope you are enjoying the weather where you are and the creative spirit is with you!

Cat-ching Up

I seem to be spending  my days more and more on Facebook, releasing images of new paintings and the latest works in progress. Thus, so much time as elapsed since my last post, and my need to cat-ch up!  ;)  I do apologize. But, if you'd like to stay in touch more often, please head to my Facebook Iva's Creations art page and hit the "like" button. I do still plan on maintaining my blog, so never fear if you're not a Facebook devotee! Now on to my art! 

I seem to be drawn to black cats these days, as I prepare for Halloween. Yes, the summer solstice is not even a week old and I'm dreaming of fall. But as you know, I'm in the mood for Halloween all year long!

I am starting my Halloween, watercolor auctions on eBay again. The above original painting, "October Eyes," will be listed on eBay tonight, so watch my eBay auctions.

I recently sold this ACEO, "Night Flight." I am using graphite more in my work and love the dreamy affect it casts. I will be listing more of these tiny works of art, so I hope you pop in to my eBay auctions weekly, or simply add me to your favorite sellers list. Halloween is not too far off! 

Wheeeee!

Getting "Familiar"

My fellow members of the Eclectic Halloween Artists Group and I participate in art challenges every month or so. The theme for this month is Familiar Friends. So what better familiar than a black cat! I painted this one as a 5"x7" watercolor, now on eBay. But check out the other offerings from EHAG members, on eBay and on etsy. You'll find links to all of them on the EHAG blog, EHAGart.blogspot.com.

Here's a little history about familiars. In European folklore familiar spirits, sometimes referred to simply as familiars, were supernatural entities that were believed to assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic. According to the records of the time, they would appear in numerous guises, often as an animal, but also at times as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as "clearly defined, three-dimensional… forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound" by those alleging to have come into contact with them, unlike later descriptions of ghosts with their "smoky, undefined form[s]".

When they served witches, they were often thought to be malevolent, while when working for cunning-folk they were often thought of as benevolent, although there was some ambiguity in both cases. The former were often categorised as being demons, while the latter were more commonly thought of and described as being fairies. The main purpose of familiars is to serve the witch/young witch. The service the familiar would provide would be to protect the new witch coming into his/her new powers.
Hope you're better familiar with familiars! ;)

A Visit from The Ghost Bride

As I continue to learn about different mediums, I try to incorporate them into my work. Graphite is a wonderful mark making tool, and I don't mean just a graphite pencil. The powder variety is excellent for making images and illustrations. The Ghost Bride is an original illustration primarily created with such powder and pencils. I added a touch of pastel and colored pencil here and there and like the effect. This is now available on eBay, if you'd like to read more about it. Try something new and you never know what kind of magic may happen!

New~ Witch Bids Halloween Greetings on EHAG Emporium March 31

A vintage-style witch bids all bright Halloween Greetings on the EHAG Emporium, which will open it's cyber doors March 31, at 9 pm Eastern. She has an antique German china doll head, vintage crepe, sculpted pumpkin, mini silver glass-glittered skelly and a Dresden moon sceptor. She wears bright Halloween fabrics and a tiny felt hat and holds a real twig broom. She stands on a glass base almost 10" tall. Each one is different and unique and, of course, made by hand!

$75, plus shipping 

If you'd like her to fly home, just shoot me an email. Also, there's more spooky goodness in my Etsy shop with new art uploaded in the last few days.

So, enjoy the shopping, as there are lots of other wonderful Halloween originals up for grabs here, in my Etsy shop and on the EHAG Emporium!

Gearing Up for the EHAG Emporium March 31

 

Only a few days away and the EHAG Emporium will once again open it's cyber doors to all who adore original Halloween art. I will have an offering or two for the unveiling, so watch for more sneak peeks here and on the Emporium blog. Don't miss it, March 31, 9 pm Eastern.

Find A Haunting Cast of Characters at Glitterfest Spring

 

Mr. Jack will be taking his wares to the Santa Ana Elks Lodge and Glitterfest this Saturday, where he will be peddling this and that. He will be camped out with me at the spring folk art show, from 10 am - 4 pm. In addition to a happy Halloween cast of characters, I will be accompanied by a number of Easter-inspired folk, from fairies to Sir Rabbit. Look for Mr. Jack the Peddler Man and me March 19, among the many other talented artisans. 

See you soon!

Flying in the Moonlight

Two friends are taking a moonlight ride while several friendly bats flutter about. What could be better than to be surrounded by friends, a full moon and Halloween night? This is an original ACEO watercolor now available on eBay. Happy Haunting!