Having disappointed myself with the last challenge, I wanted to do better this time. As I was labouring under the mistaken belief that the pieces had to be done by the end of July I was ready early for once.
I wanted to use some of my experiences in New Zealand as a basis for the piece, and Maori carvings in a rich red, marsala, colour seemed to offer the best way forward.
Here's my first attempt. I wasn't too happy with the finished piece, so I tried again!
This was much better, but I still wasn't sure about it. Then I spent a happy two days working with Gloria Loughman, and decided to try an idea from that session. I've used the same marsala coloured fabric, and still have New Zealand as the theme.
I was much happier with this. The hills are meant to look like parched grass, with sheep tracks going round the hills, but they do seem to have ended up more like sand dunes (we saw those too). Trying three times was a valuable lesson, and I find now I like both the latter two pieces.
Love them all but if I had to choose I would also go with the trees. There is something special here.
ReplyDeleteI too like them all, but think the middle one does it for me - very New Zealand and the colour is great. I am interested in the fact you have used your trip to New Zealand as your theme - I am off to visit there over The Christmas break to spend time with my sister.
ReplyDeleteWe spent nearly three months there at the beginning of this year, and I have around 9000 photos to call on for inspiration!! We really loved it there, and took the opportunity to see and do as much as possible. do enjoy your trip.
DeleteI like your tree, Linda, and the way the you've used the stripes on the hillside and the touch of hand embroidery. Your Maori carvings could use a much larger canvas to allow you show off the carvings better.
ReplyDeleteI like the middle one too, I could see it huge! Our small size in this challenge does not do it justice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments about the middle piece, Linda, and I especially like the printed cotton you have used for a binding. I think it would have been exciting to use it as the background to the motif too.
ReplyDeleteI like the 2nd one best. I love the way you honed in on the first motif and filled the area, focusing on the head. There is something almost Medieval Illumination about the 'monster'.
ReplyDeleteThe tree is rather lonely as if waiting for something to join it in the scene.
Hilary
Yes number 2 is my favourite, also. I love the quilting larger and can see the whole piece large too! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe second one is also the one I like best too. I think it works well focusing on the detail and is an improvement on the first one.
ReplyDeleteall three work for me in different ways. great to experiment in these different ways with this tricky color. you did it well - three times
ReplyDeleteVery impressive, they are all great!
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