Following on from the Copa Abstractions: Weekly Art Quilt Project, I have set myself a new creative challenge for 2018 – Taking Shape: Cues from Nature. Each month, I will create a 50x50cm abstract composition drawing my inspiration from nature with a focus on shape. I will use my hand-dyed fabrics enhanced by textural surface stitching. My palette is not necessarily tied to my inspiration subject.
The first showcase date was 15 February and I created this video to reveal my completed artwork:
February2018 from Brenda Gael Smith on Vimeo.
My starting point was to explore the oval shapes of the banksia cones from the trees right outside my studio:
I am continuing to use the Sketch Club app with The Friendly Swede 3-in-1 Stylus (Affiliate link) on my tablet (iPad Air 2).
When it comes to selecting fabrics, I am not limiting myself to using colours that are realistic. This time I chose turquoise-green and blue:
Construction is complete. Time to add some texture with surface stitching
And here is the completed textile painting for 15 February 2018. I am waiting to see how the project/series evolves before I title individual works:
As I walk around Copacabana, I am viewing my environment with fresh eyes. Concentrating on shape, I am gathering inspiration for the next Monthly Art Project showcase on 15 March and beyond. I invite you to join the creative challenge with your personal monthly art project.
Join the Monthly Art Project: Flourish in 2018!
The Monthly Art Project Facebook Group is open to any artist in any medium with a showcase on the 15th day of each month. New participants are welcome at any time. Here is an overview of the February 2018 Showcase