“York Wall” Complete
My latest quilt, York Wall, is now complete. I’m thrilled with it!
Click any image for a larger view
I worked (and reworked) very hard to give it the feeling of reflected light, and I’m now happy with the results.
This quilt was inspired by a photo I took in 2002 and I started working on the quilt in 2003. I quickly got tired of the accuracy required by the architectural imagery and put it away – for NINE years! When I finally retrieved it, I tried to work much more loosely. Not only was this more fun, but I think the less accurate colors and patterns give it more interest.
More about that reflected light: I was well into it when I realized the colors were not glowing like I wanted. My solution was to pull out my oil pastels, adding a lot of yellow. You can see some of that process here.
After this quilt I think I’ll stick with non-architectural subjects for a while.
Ellen Lindner
Ellen, you really achieved your intention with the reflected light on the stones. I wouldn’t have thought the yellow was what they needed, but they look right on! It can be scary to add paints or crayons but often this is a great solution to the desired color. Great piece. I can really identify with putting something away, working on it, putting it away, working on it. But this type of piece always turns out special because we didn’t settle for just finishing it but insisted on getting it like we wanted it!
Hi Martha,
I agree with you: it IS unsettling to add paints and such. But a few practice samples set me at ease (more or less.)
I had to really study the original photo to realize that yellow was needed. It sure made a difference!
P.S. Martha, I really enjoyed reading about your China trip on your blog. What a fabulous adventure!!!
This came out so great! Glad you stuck with it. Yes, I think paint really has its place in the art quilter’s toolbox!
Hi Monica. Thanks for the compliment! (And thank goodness for paints and such.)
The yellow paints definitely added that glow you needed. Good thing you are such an adventurous quilter! This turned out beautifully! (Confession time: I have a quilt hanging on my design wall that has been there for approximately 7 years. I think maybe I should finish mine too!!! Thankfully, it is not complicated like yours. Why have I procrastinated so anyway???)
7 years, Maeve? On your design wall? I think you win.
BTW, although my adventurous spirit often comes in handy, it’s also gotten me a trouble a few times!
it’s super!
Thanks, Christina!