Week in Review 2023 – 02/17

Close, Closer, Closest

My brain stores various tidbits of advice heard over the years. One such gem is art is viewed close, then closer and finally as close as possible. Although it wasn’t stated that way. Instead, and this is why it stays with me, the remark was more along the lines of “Art should grab you the moment you step into the room. Next, it compels you to stand in front of it. Finally, you should be so intrigued as to lean forward to discern the detail.

Close

Row #6 of eleven rows of In the Beginning is done.

I keep the close, closer and closest advice in mind whenever I design and then create my artwork. In order to capture the viewers attention, whether creating something abstract or more realistic I lean on design principles. If you honor design principles, such as contrast, repetition, balance and movement it does make a difference. Although, not a formal design principle, I frequently turn to the rule of threes to position a focal point.

Closer

If you take a closer look at In the Beginning, as it appear last week, you will notice contrasting colors, strong diagonal lines conveying movement and the large star on the right side is craftily positioned according to the rule of threes. The latter will become clearer once the remaining five rows are added to the composition.

Closest

Several In the Beginning blocks from row #7.

I am close, but not done making the blocks for row #7 of In the Beginning. So, since I couldn’t share a progress photo, I thought I would share the closest view, a sneak peak behind how the images for my blog are created combined with a close up view of some of the individual blocks that will make up row #7.

The Senior Executive Director of Studio Operations, in his capacity as photographer, takes my work to his studio (basement with a second design wall covered in black felt) and snaps 5 – 7 images of whatever I have managed to complete since I last wrote. He takes photos of each item at different camera settings. These images are uploaded to my computer. I chose the best and edit them so viewers aren’t distracted by poor lighting, raw edges, pins or extraneous background.

  • Some blocks are combinations of the twisted log cabin and nine patch blocks.
  • A simple nine patch block is easy to work up. Some hold surprises if you look closely. Each patch finishes at 1.5″ and every block is 4.5″
  • A paper pieced variation of a twisted log cabin block.

If you scroll through the gallery above you can see three different styles of blocks, a twisted log cabin, nine patch and combination of both. This is what the blocks would look like if you were take a very close, nose to the quilt look.

Project Quilting

Lupines is my entry for Project Quilting 14 – 4

The fourth prompt for this year’s Project Quilting was posted on Sunday. The single word is “novel”. The gist is to create a quilt in one week based on the prompt. The idea behind this prompt was to select a favorite book and let it inspire you. One of the books I chose over and over again to read to our children was Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. So, I created a field of lupines for Project Quilting 14 – 4.

Tip: always do the quilting first (lesson learned the hard way) then add the embellishments.

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

I wasn’t able to finish my second pink block for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge this week. I was too busy working on Lupines. So, here is a second chance to see last week’s block.

I’m linking up to the following posts:

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By Gwyned Trefethen

I am an artist who uses fabric, thread and miscellany to create designs gifted to me by my imagination.

22 comments

  1. Your “In the Beginning” piece is growing on me; I find the photo a bit….unnerving, but the fabric assemblage intriguing, and less stark. Your lupines are lovely — worth taking the time, even if you missed creating another pieced flower.

    1. I agree, Margaret, the Pillars of Creation have an other worldly, creepy feeling to them. Oddly, that is part of the appeal. I can envision the pillars has a stuffed toy with various randomly blinking lights. Barbara Cooney’s story about the lupines is also a creation story. I must be drawn to that sort of things. It is generously interpreted how Maine became populated by lupines. Such a fun and beautiful book.

  2. all of it so good!
    I’ve never heard of that book, gotta go now and look it up! I do enjoy lupines
    LeeAnna

    1. I think I first discovered Cooney’s book through Reading Rainbow, a very popular PBS show when my children were toddlers and pre schoolers. Hard to believe they are 39 and soon to be 43. It’s a delightful book. Lovely illustrations and a great story. Enjoy!

  3. Quilting over embroidery stitches is not for the feint of heart. Especially French knots. But what a good interpretation of a field of lupines,

  5. I love that story also! When our family was on a trip to Norway, we saw lupine everywhere as they grow easily in that environment. I fell in love with the beauty of the flower! Your quilt is a beautiful interpretation on the lupine flowers and the story!

    1. You are correct, Frédérique. Somehow I underestimated how many French knots I would need and how long it would take. I always try to link up to your site when I can.

  7. What can I say about the In the Beginning quilt? OWO It will be a gorgeous work of art.
    I love the lupines and your bright pink flower for February RSC.
    Have a nice weekend,

    1. I envy you your wild lupines, Kat. They are such showy, stunning flowers. Obviously, they are a favorite of mine, too. Hence the reason I chose Miss Rumpious as my book for A Novel Project Quilting 14.4

    1. There should be more to share this coming Friday, Kim. My pink flower panel is done for the RSC and I made great headway on In the Beginning, today. Thank you for your enthusiastic interest in my work.

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