Ellen Lindner: Art & Creativity

Although it was rainy in Charlotte, we were warm and dry inside during the Design Your Own Nature Quilt class.  Since the emphasis was on learning about design, we spent most of the morning working on that.  The students used the remaining three hours in the afternoon to quickly create their compositions.  They got a lot done in that short time!

Lisa’s photo included a caladium leaf which had a wonderful swirling patten.  As you can see, she interpreted it beautifully.  She’ll also tackle a coleus leaf, (which was only a green shape when this photo was taken.)  Soon, it will have wonderful colorful speckles, just like her photo.

Click any image for a larger view.

I always encourage the use of artistic license, and Lynn did just that when she altered the background color of her piece.  The purple really sets off her flower wonderfully!

Phyllis made very good progress on her quilt.  She’s ready to add her focal point:  3 palm trees against the sky on the left.  She’s decided to make them 3D, which I think is a great idea!

Alice had a challenging image to work with because her flower was solid white.  She’ll add a little contrast with thread and/or pencils.  But, look how great her foliage is.  She had the perfect fabric, and used it well.  It offers an excellent contrast to the flower, and the two will look fabulous together.

Alice was also my driver to Greensboro, so she quite literally “went the extra mile.” 

In Greensboro, I had fun giving a lecture to the Gate City Quilters Guild, whose members were very warm and welcoming.  The next day the sun was shining and this Florida gal got very excited by every little bit of fall color.  (Surely, my chauffeurs got tired of hearing “Ooh, there’s some color!”)

My hosts, Linda and Larry, are avid gardeners.  As I stepped out their back door, for a long awaited photo opportunity, I was greeted with this delightful image.

Who knew that unripe tomatoes could look so beautiful on a brisk dewy morning?

My time in North Carolina was fantastic, filled with great company, stimulating creativity, warm welcomes, and beautiful scenery.  I hope to visit again soon!

Ellen Lindner