Monday, January 26, 2015

Untitled - EBMC January, Part V (Crit Update)

Start
Finish
16" x 16" 
Commercial cotton fabrics, 
cotton thread and batting
Machine quilted with walking foot

ETA (Editted to Add) the Crit:

EB is very perceptive as well as kind and supportive with her remarks.
Square is definitely "in"!!    I like the simple uncluttered look...you do have a lot of weight in the left hand corner though - something to think about for next time.  it is hard to balance such a distinctive and strong shape.  I love how the lines form an abstract pattern.
I think the 'weight' in the lower left was one reason I was struggling with proportion -- I just couldn't put my finger on the problem at the time.

I'm thinking that if I'd reversed the fabric it might have been a bit less 'weighty'.
The distant hills work well...narrowing it off you do get a sense of going off into the far distance.  Probably, with our 20 20 hindsight would have been interesting  to have reversed that rather distinctive fabric for the further hills, so that the pattern was a little less clear...but it's just a nicety.  
Re: the background fabric (the not-snow parts): I'd already auditioned that fabric both 'right' and 'wrong' side up...but it's a batik and there's really no difference.  Had nothing else in my stash that was quite right -- either too dark or too light.  Tried coffee-dyeing a piece...too uniform, no texture.
Also the quilt on the very light band could have been further apart at the bottom and closer together at the top - also giving an illusion of distance.  Otherwise looks good!!  Very prairie!
I think EB is referring to  the quilting on the wide band of snow, and she has a good point there.  I hadn't thought about that.  Need to tuck that valuable point away for later use!

In the next few days before February, I'm piecing, hand-quilting and knitting while resting up up for the next episode of EBMC!

8 comments:

elle said...

Ya nailed it!

Bethany Garner said...

Hi there...Really a very successful piece Margaret and a great sample of your growing along with Elizabeth. Anxious to follow along and see what you are up to with EB next.
Bethany
SAQA Central Rep.

Kathie Briggs said...

Lovely, Margaret. You really captured the mood. EB gives a good critique with ideas you can apply to new work. Looking forward to your next project.

Enjoy your handwork while you rest your brain! LOL.

els said...

Love it and it is so nice to read EB's critique.
It is a very good learning experience.

Judy Warner said...

You are off to a great start, Margaret!

Regina said...

What a great piece of art! And how courageous you are to submit to the critique!

Judy Martin said...

I have enjoyed this piece coming alive.
I think that the weight in the left corner is gorgeous the way it is. For me, I think that empty space, if there is enough of it....balances a focal point.

thank you for posting your learning in such detail. It will be great for not only you, but others to look at in future and learn from all over again.

x

California Fiber artist and composer said...

This piece is gorgeous. Well done. I like the colors. It sounds as though EB is very constructive in her comments.