September 28, 2009

The Sky is Falling

I love this quote by Robert Genn "mute artists are more consistently productive than verbal ones." Stop talking and just do it!

I try to draw every day. Here is a charcoal drawing using my altered book as the substrate. It's a silly little picture, but it makes me smile.

September 18, 2009

Reinventing the Wheel?

I love color. I've always felt that I had a good "color sense." I bought a commercial color wheel and found it helpful in design. Making my own color wheels is what made the concept of complementary, monochromatic, analogous color schemes "click" for me. There are numerous books and on-line sources defining color - find one that helps you.

When designing a quilt, the last thing I do is choose color. I always start out with a black and white drawing. After that is complete, I mull over color. Color creates a mood. It helps me focus on the point I'm trying to make. I would encourage you to construct your own color wheels.

Commercial Color Wheel

Acrylic Paint Color Wheel

Magazine Swatch Color Wheel

Hand Dyed Fabric Color Wheel

Look at a favorite item around your home. Why are you attracted to it? Dissect the color scheme. Here's an example of an analogous color scheme (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel) - in this case, red and yellow.

September 9, 2009

Studio Visitors

I love having visitors in my studio. A recent article about my art work caused a flurry of emails and phone calls. As a result, Anne-Marie Grundmeier (a professor in textile sciences at the University of Education in Freiburg, Germany) came for a visit. Prof. Grundmeier specializes in instructing theoretical and practical textile competencies and happened to be in Naples on vacation with her family. Anne-Marie (left) and myself.

A favorite visitor is my daughter. Jennifer (and my granddaughters Emily and Abby) came for a week in June. We had a great time working in my studio. Jennifer home-schools her girls and is hard pressed to find a block of time to sew. She managed to design and quilt a small wall hanging for her quilt guild's challenge.

If you ever find yourself in Naples, FL, give me a call. I'd love to have you stop by for a visit.

September 4, 2009

My Foot!

My husband and I spent a week visiting friends in Asheville NC. I didn't have the opportunity to draw much, but did manage a quick sketch of my foot while waiting to go out for the day. I need a pedicure pronto!!