Thursday, January 01, 2009

Challenge 28


Still working in the series "trees", I looked out my door one day to see a Cardinal sitting in the Rose of Sharon branches. I was struck by the fact it was the only noticeable color in sight and it looked both lonely and content. When "zinger" came up, I immediately thought of this song bird.
Detail:


No name for this piece, yet, suggestions welcome. Size is 13" square, fusible, inks, yarn edged. No sleeve, I'll mount this on a hidden canvas to hang on the wall after I paint a canvas to blend.

Judy Whitehead

11 comments:

Pat .F in Winnipeg said...

This is an excellent example of the use of a zinger colour. The background colour very much expresses the cold hard fact of winter, even without the bare tree branches. I don't think I would change a thing.
Pat F in Winnipeg

janice pd said...

Nice red zinger against the grey background. I also like your emotion of being content.

Jan said...

Cardinals are a definite 'zinger' that warms most of us on the coldest winter day. Great job!

LAQuilts said...

I love it fellow tree series person. Your background almost looks like it's woven is it - it is really beautiful and a great zinger at that.

Joni said...

Hi Judy,

Lovely piece, with a beautiful cardnal. He does look very peaceful and content pirched in the tree. Your background adds the texture needed for this piece to make it really special. Nice work. Joni

Cynthia Ann Morgan said...

Hi Judy, I like this piece very much...the winter scene with the bright spot. The branches are interestingly shaped with lots of variety. Did you consider adding any slivers of black in the branches? I'm wondering if that would add some drama with the contrast. The background adds much interest...it that the fabric or is it woven? Also the woodsy edge finish is perfect
I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Cynthia

Judy Whitehead said...

Thanks! The background fabric is not woven, but a fabric by Cranston that has a woven print to it. I quilted only on the dark lines of the print, trying to emphasize the woven effect.

Cynthia I had thought about adding in some more detail to the branches, but have a bad habit of overdoing something and ending up taking away from it in the process, so I quit on this one, trying to avoid the "overdone" syndrome. I think I'll go look at it again and see if it would enhance the piece to add more details.

Carole said...

Hi Judy... nice to see this piece, I admire your work. That red cardinal is so perfect in its setting. I really like your proportions! And I, too, agree, a few black slivers would add 'punch' to an already cold, sapless tree. I think it would intensify the mood as well as the bird.

Betty Warner said...

Judy... I like this piece very much. Perhaps the title could be 'I'm Home'. I can't add anything to what has been said before. Would love to see it up close.

Della said...

Judy. . . The neutral background and tree branches provide the perfect setting for your delightful cardinal. The quilting on the background fabric really adds to the woven dimension. Very nice.

Roberta Ranney said...

Hi Judy - This piece is so quiet and serene. You've managed to add a zinger color without disturbing the overall quiet feeling. I think it is a beautiful composition and communicates so well.