Monday, February 04, 2013

Sea Anemones


I enjoy the visual texture of "micro quilting" and attempted to do that for the background using a piece of hand-dyed fabric.  The quilting was then emphasized by use of acrylic paints and ink.

The "anemones" are paper mache and twine that have been painted gold.  Solid color fabrics were then applied to the dimensional forms.  The gold star-shaped beads were a lucky find since they somewhat mimic the color and shape of the anemones.  It wasn't planned as an underwater piece or anemones specifically, but that's what it suggested in the end.  I'm happy with both the visual and actual textures.

The piece is 12" x 20".  I hope you enjoy it and feel free to provide feedback!

Robert Hartley

8 comments:

Sharon Robinson said...

Beautiful piece! the undersea world is an unending inspiration, isn't it? I really love your background and the abstract anemones.

Cherie in Del Mar said...

Beautiful and mysterious! The effect of painting over the quilting is wonderful, and your quilting rocks!
I LOVE this piece!
Cherie

FoulkeArt said...

I especially like the background! The combination of the hand-dyed and painted fabric, and the use of the sequins and beads, make it a very flowing and pleasing image. The organic nature of the anemones finishes it off perfectly.

This is a very well-done piece!

Tobi said...

What a wonderful textural contrast, as well as color contrast, between the background and the anemones, and still they belong together as a whole! I love the quilting, and the beads add some magic as well.

Unknown said...

Delightful! Great movement, great colors...and wonderful interpretation of the theme!

Unknown said...

This piece is wondefully textural! The background quilting is exceptional and highlighting the quilting with the light coating of paint really sets it off. Your anemones are very creative and the background color really pushes them to the forefront. You did a wonderful job!

fastfriday said...

I absolutely love, love, love this piece and everything about it. It has great background interest and wonderful quilting, and your layers textures are fantastic, as well as wonderful use of contrasting colors. Great job! Pam Clark

Cay Denise said...

Robert, you've done such a wonderful piece and interpretation of the challenge theme, from my perspective! Your quilting and the variety in it's design is beautiful. I can feel the 'lilting' of a calm underwater environment and the flow of water and aquatic plant movement. Beyond that, the anenomes add such wonderful dimension and color. I was surprised to read that the piece is 12" x 20". It looks postcard-like size. So, I'm sure its even more dramatic when it is seen in person.