Art Exchange | Sheila's Corner Studio

2 x 4 Ink and watercolor mini bookmark. 2015 Sheila Delgado

4 x 6 Ink and watercolor postcard. 2015 Sheila Delgado

I painted the bookmark first, and I like it better. The arrangement has a looser feel to it. But I am happy with both of these.

I have also been doing more faces, this first one was done in oil pastels, student quality. And I have to say I do not like them much. I had a hard time with blending, I need to read up on how to do it better.

Girl. 9 x 12 Oil Pastel on paper. 2015 Sheila Delgado

Below is pen and watercolor, in my sketch book. I can see lots of errors, but I like her.

Paige. 5 x 7 watercolor and Ink. 2015 Sheila Delgado

I also did a quick poppy sketch, not terrific, but I like it.

4.5 x 6 Poppy Postcard. Ink and Inktense pencils. 2015 Sheila Delgado

So keeping busy here the last few days. Hope you are feeling the joy and enjoying some creative time as well.

The Liberate Your Art swap comes to an end much too soon (click to see the video). As with Christmas, the anticipation for the next one begins as soon as the last present is unwrapped. Once a year, doesn’t seem enough. Our hostess, Kat Sloma might feel otherwise.

Kat has the huge task of sorting all the art. You can see her art swap preparations for yourself. Kat loves sharing the artful envelopes as they arrive, (she even shared mine this year). Can you imagine seeing this big stack of artful envelopes in your mailbox?

My Swap Stats

Swap participants receive five postcards, from fellow swappers, and one from our hostess Kat. Through the swap Facebook page, side swaps are arranged. Some of my LYA friends have traded with me 3 years in a row! This year I made enough cards to share with friends and family.

Side swaps – 23
International swaps – 6
States swapped – 17
Postcards mailed – 60+ (including family and friends)
Pending swap arrivals- 4 (in the mail)

My Swap Posts

You can learn more about the cards I liberated, as well as those I have received by following the links below. These are my “official” cards, minus Kat’s, per her request.

Mary Grellner, Mark Wilson, MJF, Jo Murray, Liz Velichko

The cards I sent out…

LYA postcards 2015 Sheila Delgado

Early postcard arrivals – ArtyKat, Sherry, Teena, Sarah, Amy

Chain, chain, chain – Terry, Deanie, Juana, Janice, Mark, Mary

Sunsets and shells – Chelsea, Jo, Lui, Maggie, MJF, Vicki

Snow and sand – Jill, Jasmine, Liz

But wait, There’s more!

I am so thankful for having connected with so many talented, creative people! It’s about more than the art and photos. It is the stories that go along with them. And so often finding a shared experience, or interest.

Lisa Schwinghammer, Snap Lane, Diane McWhirter

Diane McWhirter shared her bold tulips with me. There is a note on the back of the card that says it was put in the wrong box. Whew! I am so thankful it made it from Australia! I love Diane’s loose technique. (One I wish I was better at.)

SnapLane shared one of her glorious garden shots. Don’t you just love those fuchsia blooms? The message is, “Leave room in the garden for the fairies to dance.” Diane is a proud Texan. I was born in Abilene, so, gotta love that!

“Paris is always a good idea.” I have never been, but I totally agree with Lisa Schwinghammer! Paris is on my list! Lisa sent this from Denver, Hello Denver! I grew up in Loveland which once was 60 miles north of Denver, but now I think it is closer to 45 miles. Sure did seem closer the last time I was there. This is the third year Lisa and I have exchanged cards. How lucky am I!

Liberated Art Album

LYA Album

This year I have filled a small album (dollar store) with the cards I have received. It is a little over half full. Room enough to add my cards maybe. (To remind myself next year, what I sent out this year.)

I have a small space, and not a lot of display space. I like the idea of being able to keep this close by, and open it up when I need inspiration. Keeps the neat freak (me) happy too.