Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Comfortable

Fiberarts Squared is a new group doing a 12" X 12" challenge every two months. This is the first challenge. The hostess chose the word 'comfort'. This was interpreted in many different ways.

I tried to think of what image would bring to mind some form of the word comfort. My little baby nestled on his mother's shoulder makes me think 'comfortable'. After all, what could be more comforting or comfortable than snuggled in that soft, warm niche of a mother's neck and shoulder as she cradles you in her arms.   So comfortable in fact, the baby fell asleep.

Comfortable

The 'painting' was drawn on soy milk soaked fabric using water color pencils. Even after heat setting, I found the color was not permanent. Therefore, I painted on a thin layer of medium. I then heavily quilted the face. I'm not totally satisfied with how the face came out. I drew my intentions on a print of the painting. However, sometimes when I looked up to see the quilt line drawing, I moved off my spot. What I think I really need to do is make some marks directly on the quilt. I got a liquid pen with wash-away ink. That dried up almost immediately. The marks left by chalk were too big. Suggestions appreciated.

5 comments:

Sarah E. said...

Oh Ann this just brings the idea to mind...the little one looks SO comfortable, I just want to lay down, too! Great job!

Wil said...

I like it a lot! Quilting faces is one of the most difficult things to do.

Unknown said...

You are just amazingly talented!!!!
Linda

Andrine said...

I think the quilting came out great!

Johnni Schell said...

Ann - this piece is just beautiful! Your highlights and shadows on the baby's face do such a great job of showing contentment! And looking at the higher resolution picture, I don't know how your quilting could be any more perfect! From doing some portraits a few years ago, I learned to be very careful adding shadows to childrens' faces. So my only suggestion would be - except for around the eyes - only use lighter colored threads for your quilting on the face - let your pigments create contours. But its beautiful!!