What Color is Skin?

As I studied the inspiration photo for my current quilt, I realized that caucasian skin is WAY more diverse than just tan!  As a matter of fact, since the people in my quilt are backlit, their skin looks pretty dark.

Click on any image for a larger viewCousins skipping, altered photo. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

After increasing the contrast, this was even more true.  Therefore, these were the fabrics I auditioned for skin.

Creating skin with fabric collage.  Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And here’s the first neck with the pieces pinned in place.

Creating skin with fabric collage.  Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

It works, I think.

I’m really having fun with this quilt!

Ellen Lindner

4 Comments

  1. Chris Penna says:

    When choosing fabric for skin, I think it’s the most challanging!!!!

    In fact, my great granddaughter is black and caucasion and I have been putting off making her portrait because I haven’t found a fabric that fits. I’m afraid if I go too dark it will offend, and if I go too lite it will offend. Will probably have to dye my fabric!

    I like your choice of fabrics!

  2. Maeve Binder says:

    This is something that has puzzled me and made me hesitate to do a portrait in cloth. Your selections are really interesting. You could do a class on that subject alone!

  3. Hi Chris,

    You’re right that it’s a little challenging, and even surprising. When you look at a photo, the colors aren’t always what you expect.

  4. Hi Maeve,

    You’re right that it’s a little puzzling, since the colors aren’t always what you’d expect.