Beetle (as an insect) Swap Due IMH Nov30

[Gingersnap]

4 for 4
THIS SWAP IS NOW CLOSED FOR NEW SIGNUPS
Due in my home by November 30, 2007 (no later-no excuses). If you can't make the deadline please feel free to ask me to withdraw your name, no problem because I know how time gets away.

I have been wanting to host a Beetle Swap for the longest time and M A N U Z posted a card (sample attached and I will post more later) that finally pushed me over the edge.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: This swap will primarily be drawn/painted, but I received permission for some of us to do some collage work. If you do not want to received collaged cards just let me know and when I swap them out I will make sure that you receive drawn/painted only. So take your pick, realistic drawn/painted and/or interpretive collage like M A N U Z. Beetle's wings are such beautiful colors, even the black ones are irridescent. So feel free to use some of those lovely Sparkling H2O's, metallic inks, paints, and powders and go to work. I would like the beetle to take up the entire ATC sized card. JUST ONE BEETLE PER CARD WITH A COLORED BACKGROUND.

Send loose (never been used) postage and return label. No return envelopes
International postage is on me, just send an extra ATC if you would like to.
When you are ready to send your cards PM me and I will give you my address.
Thanks for considering my swap and I do hope you will join up.

YOU MAY CHOOSE ONE OR BOTH:
drawn/painted = realistic and/or collaged = whimsical (for lack of a better word) LOL

1. Gingersnap - received katie, abi, WhiteMoth, TabLynn
2. abi - received TabLynn, TheeCoyote, WhiteMoth, Gingersnap
--3. Merricat (no pref)-withdrew
4. TabLynn - received Thee Coyote, abi, Gingersnap, katie
5. WhiteMoth - received Gingersnap, abi, Katie, TheeCoyote
6. TheeCoyote - received TabLynn, abi, WhiteMoth, katie
7. katie - received TheeCoyote, Gingersnap, TabLynn, WhiteMoth

[abi]

Ok sign me up! I love bugs, or more correctly coleoptra :spinny:

[Gingersnap]

You are signed up for my coleoptra swap, abi. LOL Thanks for joining me.

[potbellyarts]

What a cool idea for a swap. I've never drawn bugs before but think I might be able to come up with something cool for this, and the due date's out there a bit. Please add me!

Question: Are you looking for realism? Manuz's card (love her work; hi Manuz!) shows a beetle with words all over it, which obviously isn't "real" -- at least, I've never seen a beetle with text! -- but the beetle part of her work is pretty realistic, and you made reference to "real" beetle wings being iridescent.

Just want to get the parameters straight! Thanks!

[Gingersnap]

Good question potbellyarts. I have since clarified it above and here "realistic drawn/painted or interpretive collage.

[potbellyarts]

Thank you!

[Merricat]

Oh I absolutely love this idea, I echo Shel's statement exactly! I've never been drawn to insects, but this intrigue's me!

[TabLynn]

I love drawing beetles! Sign me up!

[Merricat]

Oops! Sign me up please!

[Gingersnap]

I have your signed up TabLynn and Merricat. Thanks for joining.

[TheeCoyote]

For inspriation and reference
http://www.flickr.com/groups/beetles/pool/

[Gingersnap]

Excellent, Molly. Thank you so much and it will be a great reference. Check it out everyone.

[abi]

I checked it out and must say a great BIG HUGE thank you for the link TheeCoyote!

[WhiteMoth]

Love it....please sign me up.

I prefer interpretive collage ....if that's okay?

[TheeCoyote]

Not a beetle, but check this one out http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonferguson/1435565238/

And this group http://www.flickr.com/groups/insectsesthetics/pool/

See, now you guys have encouraged me. I been bug shoppin'

I'd like to join this one but I can't be sure I'd be able to fit it in. I'm going to try before the sign up deadline and see if I can. There is just so much material out there!

[Gingersnap]

I have you signed up WhiteMoth. Thanks for joining.

TheeCoyote, thank you so much for all of the inspirational sites. I do hope you will sign up.

[TheeCoyote]

I'm ready. Sign me up.
My preference--a good mix of both techniques rather than all of one or the other. Only as much as is possible and reasonable though.

BTW, what in the heck is "interpretive" collage?

[WhiteMoth]

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=1907

I made this for this swap....but....
I wanted to get input first.

I used a stamp for the face and wings.

Is this okay?

if not...no biggie...I understand of course.

Just let me know if I should carry on with cards like this or do something different.

:eek:

[Gingersnap]

Well, I like it. What a fun card.

[WhiteMoth]

Is the medium mix okay for the swap?

[TheeCoyote]

JFTR mine are going to be less creative/fun and more illustration--cause that's how I roll. I know, I know, once in awhile I should break out of this myopia, but I was born this way.


JFTR = Just for the record

[Gingersnap]

Is the medium mix okay for the swap?

Well, it definately takes it out of the drawn/painted and puts it into the collage, but several members were open to that exchange as I am. More than that I can't say, because I don't know what other people like and I can only speak for myself. If anyone else has an opposing opinion they can PM you.

My feeling is: Do what you like first and then if someone else likes it, thats a bonus. If you love it and are proud of it than it works for me, because the enjoyment it gives you to create the piece of art is what it is all about in my opinion.

[TheeCoyote]

Judithann, if everyone expresses preferences of what they want and don't want, won't that create a nightmare for you when you swap out? You know you can't please all the people all the time. I am hoping to get returns that have mostly a natural history/scientific illustration flavor. I am not opposed to whimsey, but it is not what I am hoping for in this theme, this swap. Call me a purist. I am but one person. Are you going to be willing and able to accomodate us all? If so you are a brave, organized and optimistic host! We should send you presents.

[Gingersnap]

Thank you for your concern Molly. If this was a very large swap that would be impossible, but since it isn't I don't see it as a problem. I knew when I posted the swap that some people do not like anything but drawn/painted and that is what this site is all about. I just didn't want to leave out those who really love collage work and are really good at it. If I look in the gallery and something pops out at me, I guess I don't care what medium it is done in, but that is me. I respect other peoples feelings too. I would never want to send someone a piece of art done in a style that they could not possibly begin to appreciate. That doesn't mean you will love every card you receive, it just means if you don't like collaged, you won't get collaged. I will be happy to put you down for realistic drawn/painted. Thank you again for thinking of me.

I am very organized, very optimistic, and as far as brave ... I am fearless (an x parasailer, class-five whitewater rafter, extreme roller coaster enthusiast, etc, etc.) LOL

[Gingersnap]

No more signer-uppers for this one? I thought this would be an easy one.

[abi]

Maybe you want to push the sign up back a bit so people with full plates have time to finish up some stuff before they take on another committment. Just a thought :unsure:

[katie]

I would like to join in on this swap if possible

[TheeCoyote]

I have another image reference
http://bugguide.net/node/view/60/bgpage

You have to click through the catagories to see all the pictures.

[Gingersnap]

Welcome katie. I signed you up.


Thank you TheeCoyote for more inspiration.

[Gingersnap]

Last day to signup or withdraw.

[abi]

Here is number 1, more to follow :)

Titled 'Hello'

[TabLynn]

Here are beetles 1 and 2.

[Gingersnap]

Abi and TabLynn, you both are doing a magnificent job on these insects. I can't wait to start on mine.

[TabLynn]

Beetles 3 and 4 have been completed! Woo hoo!

[Gingersnap]

They are fabulous, TabLynn.

[TabLynn]

Last one done so Gingersnap can choose one! These should be in the mail early this week.

[Gingersnap]

TabLynn, your cards are amazing. I chose the last one you did. I loved it the moment I saw it. Thank you so much.

[Gingersnap]

Awesome beetles, WhiteMoth. Very imaginative.

[katie]

great bug abi... love it...

[TheeCoyote]

I know this swap only has a few weeks left to it but I found some more great references and wanted to share them anyway--for future use even.

http://www.thaibugs.com/beetles2.htm
http://utenti.romascuola.net/bups/jewel.htm Old manuscript illustrations/drawings
http://utenti.romascuola.net/bups/jewel.htm Cryptic macros
http://utenti.romascuola.net/bups/jewel.htm Mimicry macros
http://www.insectgems.com/unmountedbeetle.html Click on a Genera (in bold) > click on name on list
http://www.godofinsects.com/museum/order.php?oid=19 If its name is in purple you can click on it for a pic

And if you want to see some gorgeous bugs--many of them turquoise blue--check out the Eupholus weevils.

[Gingersnap]

These are great links. I have mine drawn, but maybe I could do some extras. Some of those pictures inspired because of their beautiful colors.

[Gingersnap]

Katie, your cards are incredible. They look like they could walk.

[Gingersnap]

How are the beetles coming along?

[TheeCoyote]

There is so much material!
I have tried to pick the unusual. And, I was a little uncertain of how to handle the backgrounds. So, I decided to fall back on a well loved technique I used to use a long time ago. Sorry, no hints. You will all just have to wait. Until I upload that is.

[Gingersnap]

Well, here it is, November 20, and the host has her beetles completed. Wow!

They turned out very nice, but two of them didn't scan well. The pearl powder didn't show up and one of them has faded color in the scan. They are posted to the gallery.

[TheeCoyote]

Metallic type mediums never scan or photo well--at least for me. I figure that that detail becomes a surprise only the new owner gets to appreciate.

[Gingersnap]

That is so true. I think it will be a nice surprise to the recipient.

[abi]

Oh, so with Thanksgiving and being sick and all I have been a little behind. Here are the last two cards for this swap. The red one is titled "Natural Red Head" and the blue one "Play Time." They will really be off on Monday :)

[Gingersnap]

I love those bugs, abi. Awesome.

[abi]

totally spaced posting this one to the thread, but it is my 4th - http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2607

they are postal :)

[TheeCoyote]

Confirming that mine were mailed. The clerk promised they would be delivered by Friday.
Posted in my gallery.
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=3011&page=1#comment3833

[Gingersnap]

All cards have been received and will be sent out in today's mail. Thanks to all for participating and for doing incredible work. I know you will love your returns.

[WhiteMoth]

Wee-hoo!
Mine will show up soon then....I'm so excited.

Thanks for hosting such a great swap!
:jiggy:

[TabLynn]

Yay! I got my cards before I leave town tomorrow! I received "Hello" form abi, really cool close up of really out-there looking bug! Also I received "Crazed" from katie, Beautiful colors and a very unique background treatment. That beetle really stands out! I got "Chrysina Victorina" from Gingersnap, really neat background and very cool beetle with lots of details. Last but not least I got "Cosmodela Tiger Beetle", not sure I spelled it right, from TheeCoyote, another with extra cool background textures and just super Wow colors. More shiny in person. Very cool. Thanks all and to Gingersnap for hosting!

[WhiteMoth]

Mine came today too!
I just love them....
abi
katie
coyote
and our host

They are really fantastic you guys!
Hubby and I marveled at them together.

Thanks again for hosting....great swap!
:)

[TheeCoyote]

Mine came today.
I would like to acknowledge
abi
katie
WhiteMoth
TabLynn

[abi]

Alright I finally made it to the computer with all my fabulous cards. I apologize for the delay :)

A special thanks to our wonderful hostess! Also to TabLynn for Green & Black Striped Beetle, TheeCoyote for Nezara Sheild Bug Nymph, WhiteMoth for beetle (purple-ish/blue-ish/ green-ish), and again to Gingersnap for Goliathus goliathus.

Thanks again!

[EraserQueen]

Does anyone have scans??? This would make a GREAT addition to our swap gallery!

[abi]

Here ya go!

Gingersnap
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2888&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2887&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2886&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2885&w=o

abi
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2959&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2958&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2607&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2393&w=o

TabLynn
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2416&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2415&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2414&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2402&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2401&w=o

WhiteMoth
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2227&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2175&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=1927&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=1907&w=o

TheeCoyote
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=3011&w=o

katie
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2598&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2597&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2596&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2595&w=o

[EraserQueen]

THANK you Abi for getting those all together!!! I'll try to make a collage out of them and have Sal to add them! You all did such an AMAZING job! :D