A client came over to the studio last week to talk about a possible commission. I had work laid out, my portfolio ready, and she had already looked at the gallery on my website. She is a violinist so I was expecting perhaps, to do a piece based on a photograph like this one. This is my daughter, photographed by the very talented Julia Wade:
Instead, the client looked at the fabric laying out on the table that I had just screen printed, and said "can you just quilt this?" Hmmm. I really love this piece but hadn't considered it complete in and of itself. She chose a section of the fabric that she really liked and we talked about some possible stitching options.
The problem, after cutting out the section she liked, was that there really wasn't a focal point. No real place to rest the eye. She had nixed a larger black print of a violin and favored a more subtle look. I think I've got it figured out now and am excited to begin stitching into it.
It's still subtle but now there is something to look at. Somewhere to draw your attention and hold your interest. Let me know what you think about it.
Still two Artist's Trading Cards left by the way - they go right into the next two orders of my DVD Workshop. Hope you all are enjoying it. As always - I'd love to see any work you do utilizing any of the techniques from the DVD.
9 comments:
I really like this. And the color. The message is perfect for your musician client.
A perfect resting place in the rule of thirds. Cannot wait to see the end result. Thanks for the link. ;)
So simple and yet so strong!
Love what you have done with the violin.
And... thank you for my violin! I love it! I got the package today, oohed and ahhhed over the ATC.. then right into the DVD. Very, very good.
Some old, some new, but what I liked was that they all work. I did learn why I have so much trouble with Bo-Nash and the gray glue. The edge of the iron!!
I will use this time and again.. for new ideas, new thoughts.... new inspiration.
Thank you so much!!
Carole - THANKS!!!! for such kind words! I'm so very happy you like the DVD! Bo-Nash - let it cool all the way down!
Send me pics when you finish things using the techniques!
-Lyric
I will.... soon I hope...
Lyric, just discovered your blog. Your instinct was right on regarding this piece and your solution was very elegant, and kept the subtle tone the client was after. Did you do this with the stitching alone?
--Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
I made a larger screen of the image and printed it - first with the same transparent white and shimmery pinkish wing color. The more I looked at it the more it was too transparent so I used a brush to go back in with an opaque white.
Now I'm stuck at the stitching phase - there is so much going on in the background of this piece that it's very hard knowing what to do.
Hey Lyric, I would love to get mail from you. Ping me at lvblairgallagher@hotmail.com email so I can send you back my address..
I love the violin as dragonfly, by the way. Very kewl.. Commissions are always an experiential challenge are they?
Hi Lyric!
You got the violun exactly right. Definitely a focal point without being overwhelming. She'll love it!
I'm most interested to see how you treat the background!
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