Saturday, January 06, 2007

A burst of energy

I have been on an absolute rampage of activity in my studio since we got home. It is most unusual for me to be so productive so deep into winter. Perhaps a few days of tropical sun has been good for me, LOL!

I spent a few hours this morning doing the free-motion stitching on the wall hanging. (It measures
12 1/2" square, by the way.) While the stitching went well, I had problems with the pieces of background fabric lifting while I was working. I am NOT happy with this particular brand of fusible... it didn't fuse worth a hoot. Fortunately the stitching will hold everything in place by the time it's all done. Still... GRRRRRRR!



The next step will be to add borders, and THEN I can begin adding the embellishments (rubbing hands and giggling maniacally...!) I had to go to Michael's today, so while I was there I picked up the beads you see scattered around the flowers, and some yarn that I'm not sure what I am going to do with, but it just blends so perfectly. I didn't really want to spend any more money on this piece, but the beads were *too perfect* and I couldn't pass them by. Sigh... This is why I will never be rich...

Hmmm... I also see that the detail stitching in the stems needs to be much more visible. How did I ever design anything before I could check my work with a camera??

My dear friend Kai asked about my painting...

Here you go Kai. This is what I have so far. (I did this much just before we left to go on vacation.) I wanted good dark outlines in the underpainting so that, as I add layers of color, I don't lose my drawing. This is where I stopped to let it dry.

My next step will be to correct the shape of her shoulder and ribs on the right side, and to begin to add a foundation color. Mid-range flesh tones for the skin, and local color for her shirt and pants.

I have NO clue as to what I'm going to do about the kitten. I think I need to read up on how to paint fur...

6 comments:

Sherry Goshon said...

woohoooooooo I think it's the sun and I have to say that is gonna be the MOST awesome wall hanging...wohooo I LOVE IT....you are amazing truly amazing love sherry

Linda said...

This wall hanging is awesome. Great work. Maybe this will inspire me to finish at least one quilt that I have started.
I will be eagerly awaiting the finished portrait.
Auntie Linda

Kai said...

I love, love, love the additions to your wall hanging! The turquoise DOES bring everything together, doesn't it? I don't have that sense of color, tho' when I see someone else put things together in such a pleasing way, I almost find myself breathing a sigh of relief. This is going to be an ESPECIALLY lovely piece! And your painting - oh, I DO love it. That's why I'd asked about it! It's progressing so well, and I'll be curious to see how you handle that kitty fur! But my guess is, your eye will tell you THAT as well! You are a born artist, Judi. You truly are!

Linda Fleming said...

I am loving that wall hanging! Talk about sunny ahd cheerful-love it!

The painting is looking wonderful, too. Isn't it amazing what the sun does for our energy level and mood? I always want to stay in bed on dark, cloudy days. It's nice that I don't have many days like that after leaving IL.
Linda F from FL

Judi W. said...

I have an article in a book on how to paint fur ... I'll have to see if I can find it and scan it for you. What brand of fusible isn't working for you? I think the wall hanging it turning out grand!

Jacque Uetz said...

Judi, I see you have lots of talents I love your wall hanging, beautiful colors.I wish I had some of your energy.