I've had a busy week with meetings and spending time with grandchildren and family and I finally got in some solid studio time today. I am making great progress on a new big quilt. I was finally at the point today to quilt it. The new machine is a gem for lots of quilting. It is fast. Quilting is mindless work so I had time to think about the last big piece I did that was less than satisfying...
So, I think I showed parts of this, but not all. This is my second try at a quilt for the SAQA show. It needed to be big. After cutting the first piece down to a better composition and making it too small to work for the show, I tried again, this time simpler. This is what I came up with.
I
almost like it. It hung on my design wall for several weeks and then I decided to put it away for awhile. I took it out today and I think I could finally identify what things are not what they need to be. The sky. I like the yellow sky, but that lightest section is too much of a contrast and not warm enough, I think. I fiddled in Photoshop and this seems better to me. Warmer.
And maybe just a
weeeee bit more detail.
Now, if I actually make these changes it won't be that easy, so I am going to think about this for a few days. Offer suggestions if you like, but don't expect me to necessarily take them!—especially if you tell me to do things I don't do, like layering sheers over it all or stitching it with metallic threads! Remember—less is more, less is more, less is more...
I really like your tweaks. I know the sky would be the hardest to fix. Have you thought about adding the little details first to see if that does the trick for you?
ReplyDeleteYes, add a bit more detail- all those arched windows need something breaking them up- the railings work well. Love your colors, so lovely and muted. And to tell the truth, the white cloud isn't a problem for me, if you mute it, don't go too far. There- I have meddled just like I am THERE. (And I like the new triangles quilt a whole lot too!)
ReplyDeleteI like the little details you are contemplating. That's all I have to say. (smile)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to share ... Years ago, my architecture class had a motto . "Less is more, more or less. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"
ReplyDeletefabric paint for the sky would elimminate the need to take things apart
ReplyDeleteThe white is what we call , in my painting class, a "suck hole". It grabs all the attention. With the color changed to yellow, my eye goes to the buildings. I hate to say this because changing it will be so much work, but it makes such a difference.
ReplyDeleteI like the details, but they are not necessary if the sky is right. They are just icing on the cake.
Of course this is free advice so you are free to disregard it (as you have said you might).
I like the warmer sky, but am ambivalent about the details- KISS!!
ReplyDeleteI like the warmer sky. If you add details, it should be architectural details - meaning something added to the houses in a sparse way. Several rails would fit nicely. My eye totally gets stumped when moving over the vines. They do not seem to fit. IMHO. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you can objectively assess your work and find the problem. It does help to let things mull and come at it with a fresh eye but still I don't always find it easy.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think your instincts are right on with the sky. I just watched a Quilting Arts TV episode where Anna Buzalino ( sp ) painted on her quilted piece.
I also love the additional details? That is what will really make it!
Chop it up! No, just kidding. :-) Having seen this one in person, I think you may be just a little to close to it. It's got a lot of nice things going on -- like the quilting in the sky. Perhaps you could dry-brush a little yellow paint over that light section so at least you don't have to replace it, but if you do nothing it's still a lovely piece (I'm in agreement with Gerrie on this one).
ReplyDeleteI like the piece. With the white sky, your eye is drawn to the sky as the focal point. I agree with you that the yellow makes the piece more cohesive, but presents another problem. Now the piece is half building and half sky. You might be happier with proportions of 1/3 to 2/3's
ReplyDeletePat
I love your architectural pieces and hope to someday see one in person! The sky is not a problem to me, and I do not think the additional details add much if anything... the vines especially. What does keep stopping my eye for some reason is the flat roof and building in the lower right hand corner. Hope you figure out what is bugging you about it. Even with no changes it is a lovely piece!
ReplyDeleteKat
I agree that the warmer yellow in the sky is better. I like the architectural details, but agree with Ronnie that the vine is a little distracting.
ReplyDeleteWarmer yellow in the sky is better. It sortof makes the church in the back glow and be a little bit of a focal point, even though it is in the distance.
ReplyDeleteI like the architectural details, but I too am slightly off-put by the vine. It does need a bit of detail, though. Something to bring the town to the viewer. Otherwise there is a certain distance and flatness.
Add beads!!!! Haha. Just kidding. :)
Well, however you change the sky, the warmer tones are better. Paint sounds good to me! How about adding some of those little beady-things to a few doors or windows and a kitty looking out one window? I like the wrought-iron railings, but I like to add embelishments and little details. It's lovely.
ReplyDelete