The ACEO Movement

Miniature Masterpieces ~

Artists in the 16th century created small versions of their work on tiny canvases or paper in order to show off their ability to potential patrons. Often, patrons would request the artist to paint their wives, children and even their mistresses in this tiny format so they could carry the painting around just as you would carry a photograph of a loved one today! During the Impressionist movement, artists exchange cards among themselves to study fellow artists’ styles and techniques. They would also trade or sell the small cards to buy supplies and food, and to pay for lodging.

The ACEO Movement ~
The ACEO movement was born many years later from those latter day ‘pocket book paintings’. The acronym ACEO stands for Art Card Editions and Originals. An ACEO is a 2.5" x 3.5" work of art (an original or a print edition). It is always this size. No exceptions.

Media ~
All recognized mediums are used to create these little works of art. You may find original ACEOs in watercolor, oils, acrylics, ink, art pencils and markers, pyrography, collage, digital art, textile art and fine art photography. As well as the wonderful variety of mediums used to create ACEOs, you are sure to find one in a genre that appeals to you. There is Impressionism, Realism, Abstract, Figurative, Folk, Illustrative, Narrative, Surrealism, Expressionism and new styles of art for the 21st century, such as Pop Surrealism.

Lisa Luree ~
It was in October 2004 that artist Lisa Luree, in response to her awareness of an unserved market, founded the ACEO ~ Art Card Editions and Originals Group on eBay to promote the creation and sale of these little works of art. Thanks to her pioneering spirit the ACEO movement has gained a huge worldwide following and many artists are now commanding extremely high prices for their work in this format. Don’t be put off, however! It is still possible for art lovers to easily and inexpensively accumulate a collection of these little gems.

ACEO & ATC ~
Just one thing to remember, ACEO should not be confused with ATC (Artist Trading Cards) which are also 2.5" x 3.5" original works, but are traded – not sold - amongst artists. The ACEO acronym was created out of respect to those artists who are passionate about ATC being trade only.