Here is my small project in response to this challenge to create something in the chiaroscuro style. I used a photo of the fountain at the Cheesecake Factory as inspiration. I wish the green receded more into the background. The photo has more depth and mystery. This is not quite finished… not trimmed or bound or even signed yet.
Enjoyed the challenge, thanks for hosting, Susan. As usual, I'm enjoying the posts and comments - always learning something new.
What a fascinating photo. This was a good choice to use for this high contrast challenge and you did a really good job in recreating it. You mention that you wish the green receded more into the background. I can tell that the dark fabric you used was not a solid. That was a good first step. I think that if your dark fabric was darker and more mottled, it might have created more depth. In my experience, using fabrics with some visual texture to break up the field helps establish a sense of depth.
ReplyDeleteYou're right; it's a mottled fabric and I cut it on the diagonal and flipped one triangle over to get more difference in the background but probably using it all right side up would have given me a better visual. I have more of both fabric; may try it again after the New Year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts on this. I think the photo shows the morning-after scum of detergent in the fountain from some night time vandals. Not something to be encouraged but it made for some intriguing photographs.
This is so interesting, and the quilting really adds to the magic of the work. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, very interesting piece and nicely executed from your photo! A couple what if's just for fun: what if the green parts were deeper/darker (more blackened rather than grayed), what if the leaf were brighter, would there be more contrast and depth? Also, it seems the green is on top of the white...what if you reversed that or used a light fusible or none so the green sinks down when tightly quilted and the white pops up?
ReplyDeleteCynthia
I'm thinking of working to darken the green to "sink" it back. The green fabric is the background fabric and the white polka dot is kind of sheer and has been cut into those shapes. I laid a tulle over all to hold the white in place while I stitched.
ReplyDeleteI'll post again if I can get the green to step back out of the light... I appreciate all the comments.
Diane, your instinct is right..I'd think of using paints or Shiva and then you can darken the edges and pull it in like the photo. I'm also thinking that quilting and thread work can also give it the aspect you're looking for.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I love the photo and love your start...but I absolutely agree that it does need to be a bit darker in areas...
Lisa Q.