Saturday, September 25, 2010

Challenge 49

Pottery
This is my first attempt at Chiaroscuro.  The design was drawn on Lutrador, then painted with fabric paints, and a black marker.  A mottled black batik was used in the background, with the light source concentrated in the  front.
Shading was added with dye sticks, thread, and black and white netting.  The black netting, which adds texture and softens the edges, shows in the photo. The light and texture of the white netting is visible in the foreground of the original piece, but blends in the photo.  The piece is 9" x 9 1/2".  I look forward to your comments.  LindaMac

10 comments:

fastfriday said...

Linda, your black background and shadows are very good! Chris Predd

Cynthia Ann Morgan said...

Good job, Linda! The netting for the shading is very effective. You certainly achieved chiaroscuro! The only suggestion I have is perhaps more interest in the background and foreground. like a patchwork instead of one fabric for the table and/or background or some intricate quilting pattern in a slightly lighter or darker thread or some light reflection in part of the background.
It's a good piece...congrats. and totally in your style

Cynthia

fastfriday said...

The pot is very nicely drawn with the net used as shading. The rings on the table confuse my eye - are those shadows or elements of a table runner? If they are shadows, wouldn't the light source be coming from on high rather than from the front?

Diane
yarngoddess

Linda Mac said...

Good points. The light source is from on high, as the rings are supposed to be shadow.
Also I agree the quilting needs to be more interesting and add more to the piece. I have been thinking that ever since I posted it. Guess I will get back to work and add quilting. I am always at a loss on how to quilt the piece.
Thank you for your critiques. I learn a lot from them.
I will re-post when I figure out how I want this quilted.

Wendy said...

Hi Linda.... this totally looks like a scene from our local museum! or the Hopi Art Fair I went to yesterday. Colors are so very traditional. You nailed it.
I too was confused about where the light source started. If the base shadows were a bit elongated toward the back, it would appear that the light source is more forward rather than from above.
Nice use of tulle for shadowing.
As for background quilting, why not start with some grey on the black and do some subtle texture with your stitching? Even a simple grid would bring that background closer and provide interest.
Super job!

"Rhojo" Baldwin said...

Very effective use of the tulle. This piece is perfect for the front light source. Really shows the pots form. Great job!

fastfriday said...

The tulle really works well. I agree about the confusion of light source. I'm anxious to see how you quilt it. I know it will make a big difference. Good luck. I think your pot is beautiful.

Pat Havey

Carole said...

Linda, I like this alot... so realistic! I was in a Hopi Museum last winter and voila! you have captured it exactly... light shafting from a window... well done!

LAQuilts said...

I love how you made shadows! Very cool. Did you take a photograph to determine the light source?

Pam Harris said...

Very nice piece.