Self Portrait

It's been 30 years since I did my last portrait! This 5 x 7" watercolor and ink painting was challenging for me. I think self portraits are tough! I used Inktense watersoluble pencils, applied with a brush (not as a pencil), also watercolor and a touch of gouache for highlights. I like how Inktense becomes non soluble after it dries, which allows me to apply lots of layers.

Kitten ACEO

Another new ACEO painting created using Inktense and Gouache. This white kitten ACEO measures 2.5" x 3.5".

When composing paintings, I like to place my subjects in a setting of my choosing. When deciding on a background, I like to consider color, design and mood.

While I strive to create the illusion of detail, photorealism is not my goal. I try not to get too bogged down by minute details.

This piece just SOLD on eBay. Thanks for looking!

One of my latest Intense paintings

Here's an example of my one of my latest Inktense ACEO painting. Inktense Pencils are similar to watercolor pencils, but produce pure, clean, extremely saturated yet very transparent color. They are inks - not paints. Once the wash is dry, it is fixed, you cannot lift it. I prefer to apply the color by brushing a wet brush directly against the pencil, then applying the brush to paper. This makes ink washes portable. I can do these small ACEOs while sitting on the couch, or just about anywhere. Such fun!

This piece and several of my original ACEO's are available through eBay.

Doing lots of ACEO's

Since I discovered a new art form called ACEO's or "Art Cards, Editions and Originals" about six months ago, I have been having fun painting several ACEOs a week on average. These miniature paintings measure 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches, which is the size of a standard baseball card. Originally designed for trading between artists, these little masterpieces have become hugely collectable. A departure from my larger work in pastel, charcoal or oil, my new ACEO's are done primarily using Derwent’s Inktense Pencils primarily. More about Inktense in my next post!

This original has SOLD! But I have more ACEOs for sale in my ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/Dale-Begley-Studio

Thanks for stopping by!

ORIGINAL ACEO mini painting cat with fish

A tabby cat entranced by a couple of goldfish in a fish tank. This miniature painting / ACEO measures 2.5" x 3.5" and was created using Inktense watersoluable ink, with touches of colored pencil and gouache.

My ACEO's are for sale through my eBay store.