It's the Thought That Counts - Day3

Now the fun begins: I get to sew! Looking at the different patterns in the panel, I noticed a small area to the left of the girl’s shoulder that would be nice to enlarge and mimmick with piecing. This area reminds me of a wall. I took the basic shapes of the pattern and cut strips and blocks to create a block. I repeated this block to enlarge the area and extend the central panel. The innovative block that I developed I now call “Mosiac Crosses” and it can be purchased on my website, www.svartist.com.

It's the Thought That Counts - Day2

My first step in creating an art quilt is placing the panel or theme fabric onto the design board. I choose a border fabric that would tie all the colors together and complement the center image. In this case, I framed the entire area on the design board that will be the approximate size of the finished piece.

It's the Thought That Counts - Day1

When begining my project, I choose one of my beautiful batik panels, I enjoy collecting this style of fabric art and have many stashed in my studio. These panels are made in Indonesia by local artists. The images offer alot of inspiration for creative thought and opportunity, to be  innovative in modern piecing...just having fun creating a nice little art quilt.

Batik Patterns - Day3

“It’s the Thought That Counts” incorporates the Mosaic Cross pattern (see website for pattern). I was challenged trying to expand the background for the center batik panel. Mosaic crosses echo the shapes seen in the panel and they help balance the piece.  Soon I’ll post the blogs about creating “It’s the Thought That Counts” (see www.susanvassallo.com).

Batik Patterns - Day2

Mosaic Crosses

This border uses simple strip piecing to create innovative, modern blocks that can frame an interesting panel or theme fabric. I used a strong geometric in the border that had a similar maroon color as the batik panel. Don’t be afraid of using some fabrics from your stash with batiks! Any theme fabric would work in the center.

Batik Patterns - Day1

"Topsy Turvy" 

"Topsy Turvy" is based on the traditional log cabin. Using different 3 strip widths to create the blocks, they are then cut diagonally, and turned modern! This technique creates a great border for theme fabrics. The best part of all is that creating art means not having to match seams! A fast project for all levels of quilting expertise. Contact susanvassalloartist@gmail.com for the pattern. 

"Pixel Pretty"

I had fun using fabric that is rich with color and pattern to add excitement to a postcard batik panel. The pixelation technique in my pattern (contact me for the pattern) is a simple method of cutting strips of varying widths, cross-cutting the strip sets, and sewing them back together. Again, the best thing is no matching of seams!

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day9

I love the details that are in this composition. I tried to make the pillows look fluffy and comfy, like the artist had just gotten out of bed.

The chair makes me feel at home, just like you want to sit and talk for a while.

I named this Van Gogh project, "Red Plaid" because of I how I painted his blanket. I love plaid and thought it would be a nice addition to the composition. In the original painting, the blanket is solid red. I think Vincent would have liked the plaid!

I recently taught at the event, "Quilting in the Desert" in AZ. It was a great time! I was the Keynote speaker and this quilt made its public debut. Some of the other teachers, as well as the audience, were impressed with the piece and suggested I show it in some of the bigger shows in the country, like AQS and Houston. This was a great affirmation to me as an artist and I appreciated the encouragement.

  

Continuing my series, "Re-making the Masters", I will definitely re-create another Van Gogh painting.

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day8

Finishing with a border fabric that had a gilded print gave the masterpiece the punctuation it deserved.

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day7

Where needle meets paint....

When I painted the initial composition on fabric, I did not paint the amount of texture the piece needed, so I used quilting to deepen the composition, and stitched for texture.

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day6

I used a dry brush acrylic technique to set the perspective, place the furniture in the room, and add details. Van Gogh’s red blanket needed an update; like the plaid? I am sure that would have made him smile!

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day5

While painting Van Gogh's bedroom onto the muslin, I had to sit. I realized by the angle of his work, that he, too, must have been sitting and looking at the same level, or almost lower level, as the bed and other furniture. Check out the perspective: sit in your room at the door, look at the corner of your bed; see what I mean?

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day4

Transferring the sketch to muslin, I first made a sketch the size of the quilt I wanted to make. Then I used masking tape to adhere the sketch to a window, taped muslin over the sketch, and painted the piece.

VAN GOGH BEDROOM - Day3

Using matte medium to adhere the sketch to a small canvas, I used water color paint to lightly add hue to the sketch.