mike r baker's art exchange

atc gifts

2009-02-12T16:00:00.001-08:00

Some friends gave me gifts! I got a fun self-portrait from my friend Michelle Lana and a funny little Yoda from my friend Nicole Falk! Yay!

I also got an atc of a blob fish, really cool comic book, and an awesome little book of sketches from Steve Loya! Check out his work.

Thanks, you guys! You really made my month!

Raccoons

2008-05-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Raccoons

Snakes and Tentacles

2008-05-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

Medusa and an octopus.

Hellboy

2008-05-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

Hellboy... with a fairy.

Alice in Wonderland

2008-05-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

Here's 3 cards I did for an Alice trade.

Powergirl!

2008-05-21T15:15:00.001-07:00

I traded Powergirl ATCs with a few friends... here's the one I did. I like her lots. I hope her new owner takes good care of her. :)
(Yes, it really is 2.5 by 3.5 inches!)

Sideshow

2008-05-21T15:09:00.001-07:00

Click to see it closer. 3 cards I did for a "sideshow" theme, color pencil. I particularly like "invisible cat"... In fact, just for visiting me here, I've sent you an invisible cat! It's right outside your door. Take good care of it!

ATC Bonanza!!!

2008-05-21T15:03:00.001-07:00

Here is just a small sample of the many artist trading cards I have collected in the last 6 months. Oh, yes... there's more! I'm kicking myself I've fell so far behind in posting these. I'll be giving some of these special attention in future posts. I love them all but some of these are just too good for me to deserve (not that I'd give them up, mind you).

The Bride

2008-05-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

I started collecting "The Bride" ATCs from Kill Bill. Here are cards from Brian, Jeff, and Jen.

Brian Gubicza

2008-05-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

My friend, Brian Gubicza (goobeetsa) sent me these incredible Alice in Wonderland puppets! I also got his book of dreams, a collection of the dreams he's illustrated on his blog. Both are available on his Etsy and I highly recommend you get them!

ATC for ME - Jannie Ho

2007-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

My new buddy, Jannie Ho, sent me this awesome owl, Ollie! He's a high-quality print with fabric wings. Plus, there's a cute lil' chicken drawn on the back! You might know Jannie as Chickengirl... I know her as "totally awesome illustrator supreme ruler of fun!"

ATC for ME - Duck Theme!

2007-10-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

These are the cards I got in the Duck theme exchange that I hosted. If I could, I would have kept a dozen of the beautiful cards I got! This first one is from Valerie Walsh. I so love Val's house art! I feel like I'm getting away like a bandit with her wonderful work. This scan doesn't really do the piece justice. It's really lovely!

This next one is from my friend Zari who presently lives in Lebanon. "Duck's Hot Bubble Bath"... so cute and funny! My daughter's favorite of all the cards (except mine, but I think she's biased). Zari did another card with her Zappy character, front view and back view, that was also super cool! I forget who got it.

Last but not least is this lovely card from Mariana Musa! "Duck Kiss". The scan, unfortunately, misses the more subtle colors at work here. It really is quite stunning. Thanks, Mariana!

ATC for ME - Roberta

2007-10-31T11:07:00.001-07:00

Oops! I missed this one! Roberta sent me this pretty little queen bee over a month ago! I sent her a bumble bee shortly after but forgot to post this. Sweet, huh? Thanks, Roberta!

ATC for ME - Nele

2007-10-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

Nele sent me this adorable little rabbit all the way from Belgium! Nele's art is fun and funny and full of life. Thanks, Nele! I owe you a card!

ATC for ME - Tracy

2007-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Tracy sent me a spelling bee! Ha! She's spelling out my name. Tracy is a sweet lady, school teacher and artist. Her stuff is very cute. :)

ATC for ME - Zime

2007-10-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Look at this adorable fairy princess bird that Zime sent me! Zime is a master at cute little birds. This is on brown cardboard, made with love. :)

ATC for ME - Zari

2007-10-31T10:40:00.001-07:00

Zari sent me the cool ATC made from a Starbucks coffee sleeve. I'm supposed to cut it out myself but of course I won't - charming as all get-go, eh? This her "bukibukina" that goes along with her "bukibuki" that she sent to Jeff. Cute, ain't she? :)

Kitty Cafe

2007-10-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just for fun, Bearuh sent me a drawing of a Kitty Cafe! I'll have a saucer of milk with a side of dead rat please. :)

Captain Caveman

2007-10-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

Jeff Brame is hosting a Saturday Morning Cartoons art exchange. This is the Captain Caveman theme. I was lucky enough to get Jeff's ATCs! He did the first one on wood and threw in one he made on a Starbucks cup sleeve (after my dear friend Zari's cup sleeve art).

ATC - Duck Theme

2007-10-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

I hosted a "duck" theme on Monday Artday ATC. I was going to do some silly ones but got hung up on incredibly cute. These are all done in gouache on 2.5 x 3.5 inch posterboard.

ATC for ME - Crystal Driedger

2007-10-29T10:43:00.001-07:00

The absolutely fabulous Crystal Driedger sent me this wonderful card (ink and watercolor) in exchange for the bunny card. Crystal is an amazing artist - I am so in love with her art. Her style seems so effortless and graceful and her subjects are so lithe and creative. I so love her ladies as well.

ATC for ME - Woody

2007-10-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Woody Miller sent me two cards!!! Awesome! I got a sweet lil' skelecat and the companion to the card he sent me before. Woody is awesome - be sure to check out his incredible work!

ATC for ME - Brian Gubicza

2007-10-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Brian Gubicza sent me TWO cards in exchange for one I sent him! I owe that guy. He gave me tough choice and I was torn between these two cards but settled on the anime girl sailor scout. But here he's sent me both! It never ceases to amaze me just how nice these artists are. I love these cards! Brian rocks!

Postcard for ME - Gina Eugina

2007-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

An awesome postcard from a great artist and person, Gina Euginia! This is in exchange for the panda I sent her. It's me! I'm a pirate! And I have a pig for a first mate. Looks like I'm taking a tour of Indonesia, starting from Java. Meet me in Bali, okay?

ATC for ME - Emila's Fairy

2007-10-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

Emila sent me this beautiful fairy. Her fairies are such pretty little ladies.

ATC for ME - Emila's Monster

2007-10-01T17:01:00.001-07:00

Emila has sent me a lovely little monster, the counter-part to the monster I sent her. Oh, she's so cute! :)

ATC for ME - Mim

2007-10-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

A very pretty ATC from Mim Stella!

ATC for ME - Coffee Theme

2007-09-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

Over at Monday Artday ATC we have themes going on. I'm hosting a "ducks" theme right now (look for my duck cards soon) but we just did a coffee theme, hosted by JC. I sent three cards (which you can see here and here) and I just got back three cards... three AWESOME cards! Included was a fourth card, a limited-edition print-out by JC! JC did an awesome job and I will model my hosting after hers. :)

I got this beautiful card from my long-time art-trading friend, Emila! Oh, I really wanted it too! Her card was inspired by own in which I am enjoying my coffee but I'm not nearly as cute as Emila! Look at that background! And her serene face. Oh, Emila, I love you! :)

I also got this amazing card from Jeff, another old trading buddy. Jeff is insanely creative and has mad drawing skills! He's also been making ATCs like crazy so if you want to trade with him, get over to MADATC and give him a holla'.

Last, but far from least, is the incredible ValGal, Valerie Walsh! Val is a real pro, a fine artist famous for her paintings of houses. Be sure to check out her great work!

ATC - Mr. Pink, The Manic Eraser

2007-09-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Erase! Erase!!! I must find something to erase!

Gouache, thing with face.

ATC - Suzy Sushi

2007-09-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Suzy Sushi says, "fish is full of omega-3 acids and protein and rice will give you energy! Eat me!"

Oh, yes, Suzy... I am going to eat you!

More gouache and things with faces.

ATC - Jolly Acorn

2007-09-19T15:34:00.001-07:00

Howdy, kids! It's Jolly Acorn time! YAY!

Okay, now I'm trying more gouache. And things... with faces.

ATC - Blue Daisy Fairy

2007-09-14T23:16:00.001-07:00

Fairies are all the rage! I thought you knew that.

Well this one seems to enjoy her job. What's her job, you ask? Well, aren't you nosey?

ATC - Gerber Daisy Fairy

2007-09-14T23:14:00.001-07:00

This pretty little fairy doesn't like to get pollen on her skirt. Well, la-dee-DAH!

ATC - Bunny

2007-09-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hello, bunny! What's that on your paw? A hideous disease resulting from man's abuse of the environment? Um... oh, a ladybug. Sweet!

ATC - Fox

2007-09-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

Not sure what this fox is playing but I'd bet it's bluegrass, probably a song about grabbing a goose from farmer John's pen and providing a wonderful supper for his family. That's my thinking, anyway. :)

ATC - Cat

2007-09-14T10:49:00.001-07:00

Mrrrt? You want to rub his tummy, don't you? C'mon, admit it!

ATC for ME - Jeff Brame

2007-09-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

My buddy, Jeff Brame, has sent me this very cool ATC. Look at it pop outta frame! Looks like Super Honey Bear doesn't have cereal every morning after all. :) Awesome! Thanks, Jeff!

ATC for ME - Maryam

2007-09-11T17:55:00.001-07:00

Two fantastic cards from my dear friend, Maryam! "Ida and the Cookie Jar" and "Dippo". I love you, Maryam! :) See the card I made for her!

ATC for ME - Pati

2007-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

A wonderful print of Pati's happy thumb guy, Godo! She wrote such a lovely note on the back and she included a little Canadian maple leaf, too. Pati does some really fun stuff with Godo and some amazing designs for backgrounds. Go check out her portfolio!

ATC for ME - Zari

2007-09-10T20:29:00.001-07:00

Another two cards! This time from my dear friend Zari! These awesome gems came from Lebanon so it took a while. I sent her a groovy day. Zari has a little character named "Zappy" who is here with a little toy cow. And that bunny seems to be having a stressful time with that giant carrot! :)

ATC for ME - Zime

2007-09-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here's two ATCs from wonderful Zime! I sent her the rabbit farmer and she was generous enough to send me two cards. The backs have some sweet decorations and tiny drawings as well. I love them!

ATC - Happy Coffee

2007-09-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

A third card for the Monday Artday ATC coffee theme. This is my first gouache painting. I've been painting in watercolor for years so I'm used to transparent paint - this opaque paint will take time getting used to but I like it and I like this little happy guy. :)

ATC - Orange Fairy

2007-09-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Another fairy. I like fairies. I could draw them all day. :)

This is for... well, I don't know yet.

ATC - Pink Piggy

2007-09-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd try one with only pencil lines. It's cute, no? Who's it for? Hmmm...

Postcard - Zebra Dancer

2007-09-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

Dance, little zebra dancer, dance! A 4 by 6 inch postcard for my friend Zari! She got my ATC in only 8 days (I'm in California, she's in Lebanon) so let's see how long a postcard takes.

I hope you enjoy this picture, Zari!

ATC for ME - Monica

2007-09-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Shhhh! Kitty's sleeping! Monica sent me this lovely watercolor called "Nap". I couldn't be more delighted! It's the cutest little tuxedo kitty ever! :)

Monica said she loved the bees! Yay!

ATC for ME - Ms. Froggie

2007-09-06T16:08:00.001-07:00

Oh, the lovely Ms. Froggie sent me two beautiful ATCs! "Zoo Friend" and "Crab Juice"! Ha! How perfect are these? Thanks, Colleen! I hope you enjoyed your Frog Prince! :)

ATC - Monkey Girl

2007-09-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute little monkey girl! Eee-eee! This one is going to my friend Laurel at Studio Lolo. :)

ATC for ME - Studio Lolo

2007-09-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

Laurel at Studio Lolo has just sent me this beautiful little watercolor of an "Italian Countryside". It's soooooo sweet! Thank you, Laurel! I love it! xo!

She enclosed it in a nice little plastic sleeve - the 3rd one I've gotten this way. I need to find me some plastic sleeves!

ATC - Jumpin'

2007-09-02T15:17:00.001-07:00

A little girl enjoying her jump rope. Sending this off to JC who already sent me a sweet ATC. :)

ATC - Small Talk

2007-09-02T15:14:00.001-07:00

A little fairy and a little bird engaged in small talk.

ATC - Devil Whale!

2007-09-02T15:08:00.001-07:00

Captain Ahab ranting about that devil whale, Moby Dick. I did this for Woody who honored me with some groovy goods.

ATC - Coffee

2007-09-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is an ATC I did for Monday Artday ATC. I still don't know if I get this site but I guess there's a theme there for coffee so here's me enjoying a steaming cup.

[edit 9/7/07] Here's another one for the theme.

Postcard - Panda Pal

2007-09-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

This one is a postcard I've done for my friend Gina Eugenia! I hope she likes pandas. Check out Gina for super sweet drawings and photographs! She loves her children like crazy and shares all the amazingly creative things they do together. Gina is a wonderful person.

ATC for ME - JC

2007-08-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

I just this moment got an ATC from JC! D'oh! I still have to send her one! This is "Amalfi Lemon-White Chocolate" from her "I Love Chocolate" series. Sweet in so many ways, eh? She also sent me a digital print ATC (2 of 12) of her Illustration Friday picture, "Chocolate Emergency". Thanks, JC!

ATC for ME - Tami

2007-08-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Fairy master Tami of 101 Fairy Lane has sent me my very own Lemondrop! The card is fabric sewn on card-stock with a pretty hand-drawn Lemondrop the fairy! The fabric is soft and cuddly. :) It's all I could do to keep it from my 7 year old daughter! But I'll let her visit Lemondrop any time.

Thanks, Tami!
The card I made for her.

ATC for ME - Woody Miller

2007-08-30T11:48:00.001-07:00

Woody has just knocked my socks off!!! Not only has he sent me one of the coolest ATC ever ("Scary guy from Dr. Zhivago"), he threw in a groovy "mini-comic" (an awesome fold-out silkscreen) and some super promotional cards with recipes! Yes, Woody, I do cook. Woody has some serious talent. Be sure to check out his site and his blog (where you can see a picture of him with Darth "I am your father, Woody" Vader).

ATC for ME - Anne-Marie

2007-08-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Anne-Marie, usually known as Daisy B., sent me this fabulous pen and watercolor caricature! My good friend, Anne-Marie, is a wonderful person and artist! Not the standard ATC size, not that it makes any difference to me, it being so wonderful! This one is double the size of an ATC (which are 2.5 by 3.5 inches). But this being Anne-Marie's first ATC, the larger size just makes it all the more valuable. At least for me it does! Thank you, Anne-Marie! Mmmmm-MWAH! ;)

The card I made for her.

ATC for ME - Bearuh

2007-08-30T11:00:00.001-07:00

Here are three wonderful ATC that Bearuh sent me! The "Rosie The Riveter Rabbit" is the one I wanted and the "Day of the Dead" and "TV Insanity" ones are a "thank you" for sending on cards she made to Maryam and Zari. I love them all! Thanks, Bearuh!

Postcard for ME - Jeff Brame

2007-08-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the awesome postcard Jeff Brame made for me! Cute lil' zombie boy! Look at him hug his stuffed wolf! Awwww!

Jeff Brame rocks! Check him out!

ATC - Goldfish Friend

2007-08-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

I did this ATC for my dear friend, Maryam. Maryam is from Iran. I was inspired to do this by a sweet movie from Iran called "The White Balloon". Here, the little girl wanted a "fat fish" for the New Year celebration. There is a tradition in Iran that on New Year's day (the Spring Equinox in Iran), everyone sits around a goldfish bowl and the moment the fish holds still, the New Year has begun! Sounds a lot more fun than waiting for a ball to drop on New York. :)

ATC - Mermaid Love

2007-08-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

A mermaid in love for Bearuh! I guess she doesn't know what sexy legs should look like, not having legs herself. The mermaid, that is. I'm pretty sure Bearuh has legs.

Bearuh runs the Monday Artday community blog.

Postcard - Happy Watermelon Time!

2007-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

This is a postcard I made for Jeff Brame (see the ATC I made Jeff below). I like those old timey ads with happy, shiny kids and thought it would make a good postcard. I'm not sure if they love the watermelon or each other.

ATC - Headless Pig-Girl

2007-08-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

This one I made for Jeff Brame. Jeff makes funny drawings of a cute but darker nature so I wanted to make him something special. This is a twist on Sleepy Hallow's Headless Horseman... except it's a girl... on a pig.

ATC - Flower Fairy

2007-08-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

A fairy for a fairy master, Tami of 101 Fairy Lane and Lemondrop fame! She's sending me a super-awesome Lemondrop that I will post here. Go see her lovely fairies now!

ATC - Farmer Rabbit

2007-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

This one is for Zime. She does super fun art on her blog! She liked my Japanese farmer bunny and I was happy to give it to her! This one is a little different but I'm quite fond of it.

ATC - Kiss That Frog!

2007-08-29T15:28:00.001-07:00

This one is for Ms. Froggie! That princess doesn't look too interested in kissing a frog. Ms. Froggie, AKA Colleen, does some really fun art and she's really funny! She gives me a hard time but I think she only does it because she knows I like it. :)

ATC - Groovy Day!

2007-08-29T15:22:00.001-07:00

Sunny, happy, joy! This is for my good friend Zari. Zari does really fun art, usually featuring her little inky character, "Zappy". She lives in Lebanon but would rather be in Venezuela. I hope I get to meet her one day.

ATC - The Red Balloon

2007-08-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, I love the joy in this one! Although that balloon doesn't look so happy. I did this for Anne-Marie, also known as Daisy B. I love Anne-Marie! She is an awesome artist, person, and friend! The sweet happiness in this image reminds me of her.

ATC - Monster Love

2007-08-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

For Emila Yusof! I didn't actually get the go-ahead for an exchange but she expressed an interest and I had her address so she'll have this in a few days. Will she send me one? I hope so, but I still want her to have this. :)

ATC - Buzz!

2007-08-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

This one I made for Monica. I was inspired by Mary Blair but I used my own style. I love this card but I think I might use a thinner line from now on. Be sure to visit Monica and check out her great art!

Artist Trading Cards

2007-08-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

My second art exchange was with the talented Brian Gubicza (goo-beet-sa). Brian is a freelance illustrator in Massachusetts who does some really awesome retro-modern stuff. Be sure to check out his blog, his portfolio, and a really brilliant tutorial.

Brian made that awesome Alice collage! Mine is... well, it's a cute little girl with a gun, of course.

These are ATCs, Artist Trading Cards. Brian collects them (and now I do too). They are baseball card sized - 2.5 by 3.5 inches. On the other side is a signature, web address, email, whatever. I posted this on Monday Artday and the gang went crazy for them. The site owner there, Bearuh, fell in love with the idea and made it an assignment to do them. Fortunately, I already a bunch of orders in! :)

The First Exchange

2007-08-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

It all begins with my illustrator friend, Emila Yusof. I've always wanted to do an art exchange and thought it'd be fun to do postcards - I loved Emila's work and asked her. She said yes! I got her card and decided I liked this and would do more. My card is "the mermaid and the pirate" and her card (so cute!) is Emila in Malaysia!