Abstract ACEOs

Splat II

by Rita Squier 

This is the latest in my series of abstract ACEOs called Splat II.   This original watercolor painting is only 2.5" x 3.5" and done on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

Just a little reminder:  ACEO = Art Cards, Editions & Originals.  They are created by artists to trade amongst each other and to sell to those who would love to purchase fine art from a variety of artists but do not have a large budget to spend on art.  Art Cards are a wonderful way to start up an art collection.  It can become an addicting hobby and luckily most art cards are sold at affordable prices, so if you don't have one to trade, they are easy to buy. 

Watercolor Home

A gorgeous home deserves to be preserved in a gorgeous watercolor painting.   Here is a beautiful home in Upstate New York.  It was a pleasure to paint.

I love to paint commissioned house portraits in watercolor as large as 22" x 30" on 300 lb., archival, acid free, 100% cotton rag watercolor paper.  I use superior artist quality watercolor paints.  I paint from photos.  For those who are local to my area, I have gone out and photographed the homes I have painted.  Some of the most special home portraits I have painted have been commissioned as gifts.  Please feel free to contact me if you would like your home, former home, vacation home painted for yourself or as a gift.  I would love to create a keepsake for you!

Check out my website http://rasquier.com for more homes and buildings I have painted.  You can also check out my house portrait listings in my Etsy Shop.

Have You Ever Painted on Yupo?

Have you ever painted on Yupo?  Yupo is basically synthetic paper, it is acid free and archival too.  It has a slick surface.  If you paint with watercolor paint on Yupo paper you can create some amazing textures.  The paint just sits on top and the colors will mix and intermingle.  You have to be willing to just let loose.  Yupo is great for creating loose, fun and some what abstract paintings.  

Here is a beautiful fun painting I made of a sunflower.  The colors pool and blend and create an awesome background.  I love the texture in the leaves as well. 

Yupo is a bit tricky to work with, so  you need to have an open mind and practice a bit.  It reacts like no other paper.  You also need to be careful not to get any fingerprints on the paper.  The color will repel away from your fingerprints.  You can draw your subject lightly with pencil, however, you cannot erase.  Experiment and have fun!  If you don't like what you've done, it's easy enough to rinse the colors off and start again!