The Original Art Trading Society (OATS) Artist Trading Card Blog

Win an OATS 2012 Calendar! 2nd Hint!

2011-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Interested in the 2012 Original Art Trading Society Calendar? Correctly name all the artists represented by the various artist trading cards in the calendar and you will receive a free 2012 OATS Calendar! If no one can correctly guess all the names, the person with the most correct answers will win.

Answers can emailed to info@oatszone.com. Here is another hint:

October Trivia:

These in-law artists are married to the elder of six...

2012 OATS Calendar

Win an OATS 2012 Calendar! 1st Hint!

2011-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Oats is giving a away free 2012 Original Art Trading Society calendar to anyone who can correctly name the artists represented on each of the 12 months of the year! If no one can guess them all, the person with the most correct answers will win! Don't be too quick to guess though. Look for hints from your favorite artist trading card blog!

Here is a link to the 2012 OATS Calendar and your first hint!

A June Jumble:

anGi
nyJhno
Lruane

Happy guessing!

2012 OATS Calendar Available! Win a free calendar!

2011-12-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

The Original Art Trading Society is happy to announce the release of the 2012 OATS Calendar! Several new artists appear in the 2012 calendar making for a rich variety of artist trading cards to be enjoyed throughout the year! For order inquiries please contact info@oatszone.com.

CONTEST: Be the first person to correctly identify each artist represented and receive a free calendar!
2012 OATS Calendar

OATS needs ideas for the 2012 Calendar

2011-08-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

We have begun design of the 2012 OATS Calendar and are looking for artist trading card suggestions for each month of the year. If you have any new artwork or a suggestion for one of the months, please let us know! We would love to include artwork from both new and existing members this year. You can share your ideas via a comment on this post, on the OATS fan page,or via email at membership@oatszone.com.

Original Art Trading Society Calendar

Hot Dog Anyone?

2011-07-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

How do you like your dog - hot, cold, soy, veggie, chicken, turkey? I'll take a traditional hot dog with mustard and ketchup please! Yummy! Artist trading card, Hot Dog Man, created by Clay Brigham sure makes me want to go to the ballpark and order a Dodger Dog! MMM MMM Good! Hot Dog Man is one of the latest additions to The Original Art Trading Society.

Artist Trading Card: Hot Dog Man by Clay Brigham

Juicy Drippy Watermelon Bites

2011-07-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like watermelon on a hot summer day? In tribute to juicy and drippy watermelon bites in the back yard, The Original Art Trading Society presents the artist trading card Watermelon, created by Grace Brown. You can just taste the sweet nectar!

Artist Trading Card: Watermelon by Grace Brown

Celebrating Earth Day 2011 with OATS!

2011-04-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Artist Trading Card: Earth Day by John Brigham

The Original Art Trading Society proudly supports Earth Day 2011! There really are a lot of great things in this word that we need to respect and preserve. Here's to doing the little things that make a difference:

Fluorescent light bulbs
Don't leave the water running when you brush your teeth
Turn down the heat and wear a sweater
Use rechargeable batteries and recycle the old ones (don't throw them away - very bad!!)
Ditch the paper towels and use a cloth
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Here's an original art trading card to celebrate Earth Day 2011.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Artist Trading Card: Heart by Poem Hanna

Artist Trading Card: Heart by Lyric Brigham

Here's a few cards to say Happy Valentines; albeit a day late :) Hope everyone had a special day spent with loved ones!

Break a leg OATS! "Stage" by Floyd Shaheen

2011-02-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Artist Trading Card: Stage by Floyd Shaheen

I love American Idol and things are just about to get interesting on the show. I also enjoy listening to the rock band trio Rush. Here's an artist trading card that always makes me think of both; Stage, by Floyd Shaheen, Jr. This card can take you in so many directions. The beauty of artist trading cards is the imaginative journey they take you on and Stage is no exception!

"All the world's a stage, and we are merely players..." Great lyrics to go along with a great card. Next time you are out and about, remember your place on the giant stage that is life and don't forget to "break a leg!"

OATS Facebook Fan Page Updated

2011-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

OATS Fan Page

Have you seen the new Facebook Fan Pages? The Original Art Trading Society was one of the first to get a makeover! Check it out and encourage more of your family and friends to become fans! There is a lot in store for 2011 and we want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how to make OATS even better!

One of the new and exciting features of the new fan page is the ability for you to post your own trading cards! Have a special one you are ready to show off? Let's see it so we can start trading!

Check out the new Facebook Fan Page: OATS Fan Page.

Funny Faces by Joe Hanna

2011-01-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

I love these! Joe has a series of these unique artist trading cards called faces that simply just make you smile when you look at them! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. To learn more about artist trading cards and the Original Art Trading Society visit www.oatszone.com.

Artist Trading Card: Faces Series by Joe Hanna

3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

Well, another year flies by and for the Original Art Trading Society we had a great year! Updates to the website, a social media presence including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, as well as our very own OATS Blog highlighted 2010! We look toward 2011 in hopes of increasing our online presence even more and launching the official OATS Trading Card Game!

Here are some original artist trading cards to help you count down to the new year, courtesy of Dan Hanna! Happy New Year and best wishes in 2011!

Artist Trading Card: Three by Dan Hanna

Artist Training Card: Two by Dan Hanna

Artist Trading Card: One by Dan Hanna

Happy Birthday Rain

2010-12-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Artist Trading Card: Rain by Kevin Hanna

There is a special mark on the calendar for December 23. It signifies the birthday of my exquisite wife, Rain! Today Rain celebrates her 40th birthday and in classic OATS style, here's wishing her a happy birthday. Original Art Trading Society member, Kevin Hanna, created this artist trading card - appropriately titled "Rain" - for Rain's birthday several years back. And, as with all timeless pieces of art, it is still as amazing today as it was on the first day I saw it - just like my beautiful Rain.

Happy Holidays from the Original Art Trading Society

2010-12-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Artist Trading Card: Holiday OATS

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other special day, the Original Art Trading Society wishes you a wonderful and safe holiday season! For us, it's all about spending time with family and friends, sharing a few laughs, catching up with loved ones we haven't seen in a while, and creating a few artist trading cards!

Wherever you are over the holidays, don't forget to spread the word about OATS and the excitement of original art card trading!

2011 OATS Calendar

2010-12-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

2011 OATS Calendar

Have you ordered your 2011 Original Art Trading Society calendar yet? The new year is quickly approaching so why not enjoy each month with a fresh new image from an OATS artist? Current artists include Autumn List, Dan Hanna, Kevin Hanna and Clay Brigham. You can even customize a calendar with your own favorite OATS artists! Don't start the new year without it.

2011 Original Art Trading Society Calendar

Birthday OATS!

2010-12-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

December 4th is a special day for Original Art Trading Society (OATS) members Hannah Wasserman and David List. It's their birthday and this year they celebrated OATS style! Guests were asked to create an artist trading card of Hannah and another of David. But here's the catch, you couldn't show your card to anyone. When everyone was finished the cards were gathered up, shuffled and displayed. Then, everyone tried to guess the artist of each trading card. One round for Hannah and one round for David. The person who guessed the most correct artists for each round was the winner. The prize? Gifts cards and of course, choice of some fantastic trading cards!

Below are a few of the artist trading cards created from the party. Can you guess the artists? Happy trading!

Artist Trading Card: Hannah by Chris Rini

Artist Trading Card; David by Holli Omori

Artist Trading Card: Hannah by Johannes Gamble


Artist Trading Card: David by Julie Wasserman


Artist Trading Card: Hannah by Julie Wasserman

Artist Trading Card: David by Kevin Hannah

Artist Trading Card: David by Lacy Hanna

Artist Trading Card: Hannah by Lacy Hanna

Artist Trading Card: Hannah by Moon Blauner

Artist Trading Card: David by Pitita Alcala

Photographic Artist Trading Cards

2010-12-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

Today's post features another unique variation on artist trading cards. Original Art Trading Society artist, Ian Congdon, manipulates photographs to create stunning original art trading cards. Check out "Somewhere Else" and "Boat" below. These two very distinct cards define the qualities of original art! What I wouldn't give to be on a boat somewhere else right now! Happy trading!

Artist Trading Card: Somewhere Else by Ian Congdon

Artist Trading Card: Boat by Ian Congdon

OATS and Origami

2010-11-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

In our last few blog posts we have been talking about using different elements to help create unique and interesting artist trading cards. Here's another: Origami! Start by deciding on the origami design you want to use. Then create the backdrop on your 3x4 original art trading card. Attach your origami design with tape or glue and presto, your new OATS card is ready to trade!

These next two Original Art Trading Society (OATS) cards were created with an origami fish and ship.

Happy Trading!

Artist Trading Card: Fishigami by John Brigham

Artist Trading Card: Sailigami by John Brigham

Happy Thanksgiving from OATS!

2010-11-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is truly one of the best holidays - a huge dinner, family and friends, and pumpkin pie! Pretty tough to beat. For many members of the Original Art Trading Society (OATS), it is one of the biggest gatherings of the year. In fact, this years celebration looks to bring together 68 people! I am guessing there will be some great original art trading card sharing and trade opportunities.

Turkeys have always been synonymous with Thanksgiving and one turkey in particular has always made me think of Thanksgiving and original art card trading: Turkey by Julie Wasserman. I love the use of real feathers on this card. Probably a Turkey would never have the heart to eat!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Original Art Trading Society!

Artist Trading Card: Turkey by Julie Wasserman

Add Excitement to your Artist Trading Card

2010-11-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

Artist Trading Cards can make use of several different types of media including pens and pencils, stamps, photos, collages, plain paper, photography, canvas, etc. Here are a few examples of artist trading cards that incorporate additional elements to enhance the cards.

Mexican Guitar, by Original Art Trading Society (OATS) artist, Pitita Alcala, uses decorative jewels around the guitar's sound hole; almost like an accentuated rosette. Quite clever and really cool - super excited this OATS card is part of my collection!

Artist Trading Card: Mexican Guitar by Pitita Alcala

Another artist trading card, Fan Dancer, by Kevin Hanna, makes use of real feathers for the fans used by the dancer in her OATS card. Another great use of materials to create a unique and original OATS card - another one of my favorites!

Artist Trading Card: Fan Dancer by Kevin Hanna

Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials as you design your artist trading cards. Remember, the only thing you need for an OATS artist trading card is to create it in a 3x4 format. Our next post will feature an OATS card that makes use of feathers in the most appropriate way for this time of year!

OATS' Newest Member: Tal Sahar

2010-11-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

The Original Art Trading Society welcomes its newest member, Tal Sahar! Tal created the artist trading card Lines and offered it up to the OATS community as a free trade! She has been bitten by the original art trading bug and has plans to create several artist trading cards so she can trade and build her own collection. Tal is also very eager to play the Trading Card game! Do I sense an OATS gathering soon? Here is the link to Tal's Artist Page.

Artist Trading Card: Lines by Tal Sahar

Another Video from the OATS Video Vault!

2010-11-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

Just a few more samples of artist trading cards from the Original Art Trading Society (OATS)! The intro has a nice pan over a collage of art cards. Enjoy!

Basketball OATS

2010-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so baseball is over, football is at its midpoint and hockey is starting to heat up; what's missing? Basketball of course! The Original Art trading Society (OATS) definitely has some sports fans and today's Artist Trading Cards show some love for basketball.

Our first card is Slam Dunk, created by OATS member David List. The second is Slam by Brian Lowe and finally, we have Swish by John Brigham. I am guessing these three artist were familiar with the late great Chick Hearn since all their card titles are based on various "Chick-isms." By the way, GO LAKERS!

Artist Trading Card: Slam Dunk by David List

Artist Trading Card: Slam by Brian Lowe

Artist Trading Card: Swish by John Brigham

Spout

2010-11-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a new Artist Trading Card created by John Brigham. It's called Spout. Created from a photograph taken last summer, the photo was processed through Photoshop with one of the artistic filters applied to create a distorted penciled look. Then he added some of his own colored pencil work. What's nice is this card represents several aspects of creativity; photography, digital editing and drawing. Here's are the before and after shots. Hope you like it!

Original Photograph

Original photograph of Spout

Final Artist Trading Card

Artist Trading Card: Spout by John Brigham

Cat Artist Trading Cards.m4v

2010-11-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Cat themed Artist Trading Cards by various artist from the Original Art Trading Society.

OATS Artist Trading Cards.m4v

2010-11-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Another Original Art Trading Society Video. This one shows sample artist trading cards from various OATS members.

OATS Artist Trading Cards.mov

2010-11-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

A video about creating Original Art Trading Society Artist Trading cards.

Happy Halloween from OATS

2010-10-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to the wonderfully creative Original Art Trading Society community! October 31 seems to mark the start of the holiday season for me. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas et al. just keep coming one right after the other and I love it! Family gatherings are a great opportunity to share new art cards and make a few trades. October 31 is also the birthday of one of OATS' most popular artists, Autumn List - Happy birthday Autumn - so we have two Artist Trading Cards for you today! Black Widow from Autumn and Halloween from Moon Blauner! Enjoy!

Artist Trading Card: Black Widow by Autumn List

Artist Trading Card: Halloween by Moon Blauner

Who Needs Barry Bonds Anyways?

2010-10-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to admit I am quite surprised to see the Giants in the World Series but congratulations nonetheless. And they took game one! Wow! This Artist Trading Card depicts an old Giant and one I am sure most of you can recognize. Barry Bonds, by Original Art Trading Society member Julie Wasserman. So to all you San Francisco Giants fans, this one's for you! Enjoy.

Artist Trading Card: Barry Bonds by Julie Wasserman

Artist Trading Card Pumpkin, by Kathy Hanna

2010-10-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Another fitting card for the season. Original Art Trading Society member Kathy Hanna, Ooma, gave us this card and it is quite rare indeed. In fact, this may be one of only two or three original Artist Trading Cards drawn by Kathy. Kathy is definitely good with pumpkins. Those of you who know her can attest to the fact that she makes the best pumpkin pie around! In just about a month we'll be treated to several great pies by Kathy! Hopefully a few new Artist Trading Cards as well!

Artist Trading Card: Pumpkin by Kathy Hanna

Halloween Double Header courtesy of Samuel Wasserman

2010-10-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the Halloween spirit, The Original Art Trading Society presents two artist trading cards by Samuel Wasserman. These cards were created in 2003 and are true classics. I can remember going batty trying to trade for these cards!

Artist Trading Card: Bat and Ghost by Samuel Wasserman

Artist Trading Card: Ghost by Samuel Wasserman

Ghost is today's BLOG Post!

2010-10-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it's getting to be that time of year again. Scary faces and creepy places. Lots of groans and plenty of moans. Be prepared so you're not scared. Someone yells "Boo!" And you scream "Who?" A witch on a broom. Better run to your room. But in the end... all is dandy because of all the candy!

Our next Artist Trading Card is Ghost! Created by Original Art Trading Society member Julie Wasserman, Ghost is quite the popular trading card during the haunted season. Julie, one of the eleven Hanna brothers and sisters, has quite an impressive catalog of original artist trading cards.

This time of year it is very common to see seasonal and holiday related artist trading cards. What have you created lately?

Artist Trading Card: Ghost by Julie Wasserman

Truck

2010-10-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

Before there was 11 there were two - John and Marjorie. This Artist Trading Card depicts John Patrick Hanna, affectionately known as Truck! Created by an Original Art Trading Society extended family member Sandi Brigham, it really captures a piece of John from his later years!

Artist Trading Card: Truck by Sandi Brigham

OATS Contest! Family Tree...

2010-10-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what a family tree with 11 brothers and sisters looks like? Well, today's OATS Artist Trading Card, Family Tree by Moon Blauner, should give you a good idea. First one to respond with the correct number of family members listed on this card wins a prize! You can respond as a comment below or as a post on the Original Art Trading Society Facebook fan page. Thanks Moon! This is a great card!

Artist Trading Card: Family Tree by Moon Blauner

Trunks

2010-10-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello original artist trading card fans! Today's card is from another of our younger artists, Lyric Brigham! This is Lyric's latest card and is available for trade! Lyric has been drawing artist trading cards for the Original Art Trading Society since she was six and has quite the collection.

Artist Trading Card: Trunks by Lyric Brigham

The Original Art Trading Society 2011 Calendar

2010-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

The official 2011 Original Art Trading Society calendar is now available. It features several original artist trading card favorites like Couch Potato, Quietly Rejoicing and Heart. Check it out at the OATS Store, or customize your own! There are a bunch of other great items you can personalize including coffee mugs and note cards. We are still in the process of uploading the higher resolution images for the store items so if you don't see the artist trading card you're looking for, let us know which one by sending a note to: store@oatszone.com and we'll upload it! Have a great weekend!

Original Art Trading Society 2011 Calendar

OATS - How it all Began...

2010-09-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today's artist trading cards take us back to the origin of the Original Art Trading Society. It was the Summer of 2003 and self portraits of "how I look" and "how I want to look" turned into a trading card frenzy! Take a look at the OATS History Page for the whole story but in the meantime, enjoy these two amazing artist trading cards created by a then, 6 year old artist: Hannah Wasserman. I think she looks great in both cards!

How I Look by Hannah Wasserman

How I Want to Look by Hannah Wasserman

Jeffrey Hanna - Oompa!

2010-09-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Hanna is the eldest member of The Original Art Trading Society Hanna Family. His grandchildren affectionately call him Oompa! His artist trading cards design medium consist primarily of crayon. There is never a moment when you visit Jeff that you won't see a new piece that he is working on. His style is quite unique and anyone lucky enough to have received a Christmas card from Jeff and his wife Kathy know what I mean!

Untitled by Jeff Hanna

LyriClay

2010-09-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today's Original Art Trading Society card of the day is one of my personal favorites! This artist trading card was created from a photograph I took in Maui, Hawaii. What I wouldn't give to be back on that beach when the kids were young, sipping an iced tea and drawing a trading card or two! Do you have a personal favorite trading card? Post a comment below and let us know!

Lyric & Clay

The Original Art Trading Card Game

2010-09-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting things members of the Original Art Trading Society do is get together and play the Trading Card Game! The game is designed for all ages, easy to play and best of all, a ton of fun! There are typically three rounds of drawing based on topic cards randomly pulled from a deck. Artists then create an original art trading card based on the topic chosen within a set amount of time - usually 5 minutes or less. Artists must be careful to keep their cards hidden until the end of each round, at which point the cards are shuffled and displayed. Players then try to guess the correct artist of each trading card. After three rounds of play, the person with the most correct guesses wins. The prize? First pick amongst all cards created during the game for his or her collection! Players continue to choose in the order based on the number of correct guesses - roll of the dice breaks ties. When everyone has selected a card, the winner starts another round of picking and so on and so on. Here's a sample of some original art cards.

Can you guess the two topics? The first person to respond with the correct answer gets a prize - to be announced in a future blog post! Members and nonmembers welcome.

Artist: Autumn List

Artist: John Brigham

Artist: Kevin Hanna

Artist: Rain Brigham

Original trading cards new series from Brian Lowe

2010-09-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at some new cards from Brian Lowe, one of LA's finest - LAFD that is! He completed these in 2004 but waited for the right moment to unveil them! I guess Original Art Trading Society cards are like certain wines - better with age. Check these out. I certainly have my eye on a few of them. Nice work Brian!

Northern Lights

Roots

Blue Orchid

Budding Vines

Slam

Sunset

2010-09-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a card from the early days and I can remember how happy I was to get it! Sunset by Amber Hanna. This is my only card from Amber so it's very special - I love the pencil side strokes and blending. We definitely need to do some more trades. Amber is part of the Brandy Hanna clan. To learn more about the artists visit the Original Art Trading Society Artist Page.

Become a fan on facebook!

OATS Website Updated

2010-09-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hello original art traders! Exciting news today! Check out the new Original Art Trading Society (OATS) website! There have been several exciting changes including the edition of the OATS Store! There will be a lot more enhancements coming down the road. Stay tuned for more and let me know what you think!

Oatszone.com

Groovy Girl

2010-09-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

One of our current blog followers created this next card. Groovy Girl, by Gabby Hall! Gabby is one of the Original Art Trading Society extended family members and she traded me this card over 4 years ago. I have to admit, it sure is nice getting to know all my old trading cards again! By the way, Gabby is quite the groovy girl herself! She is a world class skier and currently attends college back East. Study hard Gabby and I hope we can make a trade soon!

More of Gabby's cards can be seen on her OATS artist page.

Night & Day

2010-09-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a card from one of the Original Art Trading Society youth artists, Clay Brigham. This trading card, titled Night & Day, represents some of Clay's newest artwork. This cards makes me smile when I look at it but I can't tell whether it makes me sleepy or awake! Some of Clay's early years artwork can be seen at oatszone.com/claybrigham.

Heart

2010-09-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today's Original Art Trading Society card of the day is Heart, by Autumn List. I love this card - how it glows and just pops out at you. You can actually sense the beating of the heart on this card. Check our more of Autumn's work at www.oatszone.com/autumnlist and enjoy her world of fantasy and exoticism!

Baseball Worm

2010-09-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here's another artist trading card from the Original Art Trading Society (OATS) created by Dan Hanna. Baseball worm is one of Dan's first OATS trading cards, but do you recognize the artistic style? If you read children's books you might. Dan is the illustrator of the highly acclaimed Pout Pout Fish, and the recently released sequel, Pout Pout Fish in the Dark! If you enjoy Dan's artwork go pick up a copy of the Pout Pout Fish and you will be in heaven! Dan has created some of the most sought after trading cards to date and if you are lucky enough to see Dan on your birthday, you might just be treated to your pick from one of his many original art trading cards.

To learn more about Dan and see more of his work visit Dan's artist trading card page at www.oatszone.com/danhanna.

Jailbird

2010-09-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

The next original art trading card I want to share with you is Jailbird, another Kevin Hanna creation. Jailbird has quite the internet following. Originally posted to the Original Art Trading Society Website in 2004, Jailbird has been found by many people on the internet and reviewed with much delight. In fact, if you search the term "jailbird" in Google, Kevin's card is likely to show up on the first page for search and image results - quite the compliment! Definitely one of my favorites.

To enjoy more of Kevin's work visit her artist page at oatszone.com/kevinhanna!

Welcome to the Original Art Trading Society Blog

2010-09-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

The Original Art Trading Society (OATS), founded in 2003, promotes collectible original art trading cards created on 3x4 index stock. OATS is brought to you by the Hanna family and is dedicated to bringing creativity, excitement and enjoyment to artists of all ages!

This blog will present new cards from members, share organizational updates, and serve as a conduit of insightful information about the wonderful world of 3x4 index card art.

The first card we present to you is Couch Potato, created by one of OATS' founding members Kevin Hanna! To all you couch lovers out there, this one's for you! To see more of Kevin's art visit her OATS Artist Page.

Couch Potato, by Kevin Hanna