Next Phase of "Dreaming"

So here it is. This is the whole work and a detail showing the portrait and the smaller embroidered figures. In the next stage I will be adding bead work and possibly more embroidery work. The whole work was pieced together in the manner that a quilt would be, but the pieces are very large.

The middle piece was done on canvas with charcoal, glue and acrylics. This was then stitched to the vinyl sections on the sides and top with the seams facing the front. I then pinked the seams. Working with vinyl was a challenge but I love the texture, sheen and especially the contrast with the canvas work.

"Dreaming"

The next three images are from a work I am doing currently. It is a mixture of painting, simiplified quilt and embroidery. I am a painter by history but enjoy many ways of working and thought I might try combining them. I am working on a conceptual series about woman as represented in history with the eye of the beholder being myself (a modern woman). The techniques and materials are chosen to suit the concept.

This is the work in which I have been using the French Knot....and yes, it is quite easy. Keep in mind, these are excerpts from a much larger piece so they are out of context to some degree. Also, remember it is a work in progress so it is by no means finished, cleaned up or photographed quite the way I will ultimately want. Next time, I will post a photo of the full, unfinished piece so you can see where I am coming from.

For those of you who are interested, this work is done with wool on white vinyl. Again, the choice of material has to do with the overall concept of the series.

This first image is how I laid out my plans for the painting. I investigated a variety of layouts and techniques before I began.

The second photo is the image of the dress that inspired the color scheme and the ribbon work. It is copied from a Cora Ginsburg catalog.

French Knot

Tricky at first but easy to master with practice, the French knot appears in many stamped and counted cross-stitch projects.

Bring the threaded needle up through the fabric, and wrap the floss around the needle as illustrated. Tighten the twists, and insert the needle back through the fabric in the same place. The floss will slide through the wrapped thread to make the knot. Don't pull the thread too tight or you'll pull the knot out.

-Better Homes and Gardens

I am currently using this stitch for a work that you will see soon. Here at Needle 'N Thread I found a great video of the French Knot. They have a whole gallery of videos...yeah.

Details of "Smoot"

Here are a couple of detail shots. The beading and sequins show up but unfortunately the free-style quilting does not. The other thing that does not show is the fact that the figures are in trapunto (slightly raised).

"Smoot"

This image is taken from an old daguerreotype (whew, thats a hard word for me to spell!) and inspired by period clothing...(I will explain later). My larger pieces deal with revisiting the past both in imagery and technique. This piece is quilted, beaded and embroidered. By the way did you notice the drastic departure from the small acrylic still lifes. What can I say, I live a dual life!

Dying Mum (Click here to bid)
8"x10", acrylic on canvas

Eating SeedPod (Click here to bid)
8"x10" acrylic on canvas

Thank you all for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed the paintings. You can expect more art starting this weekend. Have a peaceful and wonderful holiday.

Sincerely, Heidi

Lone Flower
8"x10", acrylic on canvas
$50.00