I'm not sure which should be listed first, since I both paint and quilt these pieces at the same time. In fact, sometimes I paint then quilt too soon. I can't seem to wait when there's something in my head wanting to get out. I've discovered that not waiting can be a bad thing: the needle picks up the paint and the thread dredges through that small, tiny little drop. You can't imagine how much paint can get carried from one stitch to another and another and another.
In other words, it makes a mess. Take the stitches out, right?
That requires touching the paint and spreading it around via the seam ripper. Bigger mess, that. Okay, so let it dry. Ha! removing stitches that have been stitched and painted on...let's just say it ain't easy and it sure ain't fun!
Honestly, the best option is to stay out of the paint while it's wet. And since it's rough on the needle once it's dry, it's probably a good idea to stay out of the paint altogether. Such a difficult idea to stick with.
But handling the paint and the needle just right means creating a three-dimensional effect, which I really like. On this painting, the largest cotton boll has a high relief that protrudes from the background plane, but it also has a sunken relief caused by the quilting process.
My goal is to learn more about how to create a variety of reliefs and to learn how light plays on the piece as a result of the quilting and relief work.
I experimented with the quilting by creating interlocking circles and then echo quilting the shapes that these circles created. I also experimented by playing with size. This one is 12" X 20" and my sweet husband made the frame for me.
At first I didn't like the piece. I thought the background and the painted sections blended too much. But now that it's finished, it seems to be growing on me. I honestly believe that seeing through my camera lens is what changed my mind. Somehow it has a different look and mood.
Definitely it has improved my mood!
Thanks for visiting. Please make suggestions and leave comments. I'd love to know what you think.
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12 comments:
I can hardly believe you didn't like it when you first finished it, in my view it is beautiful, I could never produce something as wonderful as this, gorgeous.
It is stunning! I love it!
Wow, Mary! This is fantastic. I love how the quilting has enhanced your painting, and really, really like your choice of quilting motifs.
Hi Mary! Visiting from Crazy Mom Quilts. This creation is full of awesome texture! Beautiful!
Great result. That is wonderful to see it framed.
It reminds me of cotton fields when we visit my in laws in Georgia. I love the stuffed effect created by paint and the quilting around it. It is gorgeous!!!
Of course you could. Keep in mind this is number 4 or 5 so hopefully I've learned a few things. Thanks for your sweet compliments Kate. I really needed the affirmation.
Thanks Judy. It's growing on me with every good word. :)
Kaja, the quilting was a happy accident. That I liked when I discovered as soon as the original idea did not work. I just kept going with the accident. (You know, the same mistake three times is a design decision.)
You can see the texture in the pictures but it really is different when touched because the painted sections are stiff and hard. It is kind of cool.
I am thinking of trying more in different sizes. Richard says can accommodate my whims! I want to experiment some more now that I have made a few and figured out what I like.
Oh wow Preeti what a compliment! That's what I'm going for. How did you know? Thanks sweet friend!
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