Smooth Undulating Lines

I’ve been working on a series of quilts in the same size, colors, and motifs.  One of the hallmarks of the first three quilts was undulating lines with jagged edges.  But, when I’m in creative mode I always allow myself to take detours.  So, when I got the idea to use some smoother undulating lines, I had no misgivings about changing course.

In 2006 I took a wonderful class, at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, with Emily Richardson.  One of our exercises was to create small compositions with just two colors of fabric.  I generally hate that sort of thing, but this time I had good luck.  I liked it so much that I stuck it on my design wall when I got home and it’s been living in that low corner for TEN years!

Planning a new art quilt with Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

When I started thinking about undulating lines, this was the obvious spot for me to begin.  I grabbed my sketchbook and had a go at some designs.  Can you see that the one below right was inspired by the fabric composition above?  (You have to turn one of them to see the connection.)

Planning a new art quilt with Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Planning a new art quilt with Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I decided I really liked the one on the left, below.

Planning a new art quilt with Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Meanwhile, I’d also done some playing on the computer.  This time I was focusing more on color.

Planning a new art quilt with Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I started on the computer with lines of one width.  But then I decided to make their shapes vary.  Much more interesting, I think.

Planning a new art quilt with Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

At this point, I had a design and a general color plan.  Time to audition some fabrics.

Ellen Lindner

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4 Responses to Smooth Undulating Lines

  1. Maria November 15, 2016 at 8:31 am #

    Dear Ellen,
    I follow your ‘adventurous’ postings for quite some time now (since I took your Apple Class in Ann Arbor)
    and want to thank you for all your suggestions, examples of work progressions and hints.
    Congratulations on your achievements, recognition and honors !!!!
    M.

    • Ellen Lindner November 22, 2016 at 8:32 pm #

      Thanks so much, Maria. I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts!

  2. Michele November 15, 2016 at 12:09 pm #

    You have probably mentioned this before: what computer program do you use?

  3. Ellen Lindner November 22, 2016 at 8:31 pm #

    Hi Michele,

    Sorry for my slow response. I use Photoshop Elements. It’s not too expensive (under $100) and it does way more than I’ll ever need. It’s a little tricky to learn, however, so I suggest a good tutorial book. I love the “Teach Yourself Visually” series, and have also had good luck with other titles in the Visual series.

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