As I mentioned below one of my art goals for 2008 is to create a small weekly quilt. This is not an original thought obviously since so many others have been taking part in this process for years. Still, I think I will learn a lot by working this way. In the midst of working on larger projects I find sometimes that it is nice to stop and do something small. Working small is also a way to clear my head.
Here is my first exploration quilt, “Scream.” Unlike my usual process I did not do a thumbnail before I began. I simply sketched right on the canvas. I used primed 7oz canvas as my surface, painted the face and then stitched. I did something weird here that gave me an interesting result. When I painted the face it was too yellow (I was going for a glow). Using Golden matte glaze I covered the entire face in purple to tone it down and then I went back in and rubbed off the paint in areas where I wanted highlights. You can still see some areas where the paint dried on me and I couldn’t get it off. At first I panicked because I had a big purple mess. Still, I kept rubbing. I then free motioned stitched the hair to make her face pop more. I wasn’t using the right needle for stitching through the canvas but I kept going. Despite the look on *her* face *I* am pretty happy with the result. The piece is neither beautiful nor horrible it just is.
In the coming week I hope to experiment with either monoprinting or silk screen. Right now I am finishing another 8×10 piece using my printer and neon pink thread. Exploration is GOOD.
Wonderful portrait — such raw emotion and passion.
My first thought was a bald man singing, but now I can see the woman and she looks much more feminime. I think it is the closed eyes that still lead me to singing was such passion.
Great job on your first weekly quilt. I can’t wait to see the others.
This piece gave me chills — very expessive!
With a 7 oz canvas…does that mean it is lightweigh or heavy and stiff? Primed…with gesso? Also what kind of needle would you use? By the way I loved the piece that’s why I am so full of questions? Do you need a special size thread….I have always thought of canvas as tough…you know like an art canvas that you paint with oil.
This is stuning, a very powerful piece, what a great start to your experiments
Hi Ann,
In response to your questions:
As far as I know 7oz canvas is the lightest weight canvas you can get. It is heavy but workable. I usually prime my own canvas but this time I bought a roll of pre-primed canvas. I think the pretreated is stiffer than what I do. I tend to water mine down a bit more to get just enough tooth for the paint. I use a jeans/denim needle. My favorite for quilting and sewing through heavy fabric. Its a sharp thin needle. I learned everything I know about sewing needles from Libby Lehman. Took a class with her on free motion quilting years ago when I was just starting out. I typically use Gutterman thread on top and aurofil (?) on the bottom. Canvas is a great surface. I paint on it, sew with it, make dolls and collages out of it. Try it! Thanks so much for writing. Please come back to visit! dgb
Very powerful.
An amazing first effort.
Can’t wait to see more.
Jeanelle
“neither beautiful nor horrible it just is” Yeah, it just is AMAZING!
I think the piece is wonderful. The expression is great and the colors make it pop.
Exploration is a good thing, indeed, with results like this! Very expressive!