I came home from work today to find 80 Art-o-mat blocks waiting for me. 
I carted them downstairs to my work area and lined them all up. Then I got out my gesso and got to work.
I went through and did two coats of gesso on each block.
And now I’m ready to start painting! I’m going through my sketches and deciding which one to do first. Mapping out my strategy. Looking forward to beginning this process.
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written by Obsidianram, September 10, 2010
Can't say I've ever attempted wood block paintings (read about it often enough, though). Anyway, I was curious ~ what are the dimensions on the blocks? I'm assuming they're wood, so also wondering if you have to put wood sealer on them before the gesso? Pardon the ignorance but really not familiar with the finer points of what's involved.
written by quirkydame, September 13, 2010
Hey there! Yes, they are wood. I just did a couple of coats of gesso before painting them and that has worked just fine. I actually prefer to paint on wood for many of my paintings, so this works out quite well. 
Each block measures 2 1/8 x 3 1/4 inches. I never thought I'd enjoy working on such a small scale, but I really do like it. I've finished two pieces so far and have started on a third. I'll be updating again soon! Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Each block measures 2 1/8 x 3 1/4 inches. I never thought I'd enjoy working on such a small scale, but I really do like it. I've finished two pieces so far and have started on a third. I'll be updating again soon! Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
written by Obsidianram, September 14, 2010
Wow, that *is* small scale; and here I thought ACEO cards were tiny 
I agree it's a well earned sense of accomplishment each time a miniature is completed given the challenge! Thank you for the reply back and best wishes on a satisfying completion for the project.
I agree it's a well earned sense of accomplishment each time a miniature is completed given the challenge! Thank you for the reply back and best wishes on a satisfying completion for the project.
written by noisician, October 03, 2010
So if they sell them for $5 each and you get 1/2 (I think that's how it works?) but you also have to buy the wood blocks (and maybe the postage to send them back?), plus your paint or other supplies (I won't even mention your time)... So are you just looking at this as a fun project (it certainly is a cool concept) ... or did I miss something else?
I was thinking of trying this, but it seems like an awful lot of work and it seems like a good chance of not breaking even.
Anyway, looking forward to hearing your impressions and experience on this project.
I was thinking of trying this, but it seems like an awful lot of work and it seems like a good chance of not breaking even.
Anyway, looking forward to hearing your impressions and experience on this project.
written by quirkydame, October 07, 2010
Yes, you get half of the $5 for each block. So no, when supplies, shipping and my time are factored in, I won't break even. It's definitely not a project you get into because of the money. 
But for this particular project, I'm okay with that. From the moment I heard of it, I was quite passionate about it. (Just ask my poor friends and family who had to listen to me ramble on about it incessantly! 
)
So much about this project appeals to me. I love how they are recycling the machines, bringing them back to life for a new, better purpose. I find it to be a fun, friendly, affordable and accessible way to bring art to people, as well as a unique way to get my art out there. Plus I'm discovering some wonderful new artists who also participate in Art-o-mat. And as I'm going through the process of creating each block, I'm thrilled to find how much it's inspiring me. I'm playing around with new ideas and color combos on a small scale with each piece and the sketches I've done have inspired other ideas for larger pieces. The non-monetary rewards have been wonderful!
But for this particular project, I'm okay with that. From the moment I heard of it, I was quite passionate about it. (Just ask my poor friends and family who had to listen to me ramble on about it incessantly! ) So much about this project appeals to me. I love how they are recycling the machines, bringing them back to life for a new, better purpose. I find it to be a fun, friendly, affordable and accessible way to bring art to people, as well as a unique way to get my art out there. Plus I'm discovering some wonderful new artists who also participate in Art-o-mat. And as I'm going through the process of creating each block, I'm thrilled to find how much it's inspiring me. I'm playing around with new ideas and color combos on a small scale with each piece and the sketches I've done have inspired other ideas for larger pieces. The non-monetary rewards have been wonderful!
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