Tuesday, January 28, 2014

A little Klimt

A Little Klimt 12" X 12"
 The Art group studying artists and using texture, STAT chose my favorite artist, Gustav Klimt to study this month. I love his work for the detail, the graphic nature, the organic swirls and the gold among other reasons.
Just to remind you, there are six of us in the group, each has chosen two artists to be studied, and we meet every two months with a 12 inch square quilt done in the style of the artist with a focus on texture.
These are the materials I chose to work with this time. There are four hair fabrics including copper silk, the background came from one of those upholstery sample books and was a sheer, three shades of tissue lame' including copper for the binding. I used misty fuse to adhere the metallic lame' but is still wanted to fray and melt. I did the whole thing on peltex, used metallic and rayon threads, prisma color pencils to paint the face.
I fused baguettes for the earring, and used a trim for the bottom after turning under the top to finish the edge.

It seems like the people in his work have sumptuous surroundings so the fringe seemed appropriate somehow. I was surprised that the gold sheers covered the lovely curves of the under hair, but the reflective properties must have trumped sheerness. I couched a heavy thread between her skin and the klimt like fabric I've hoarded for years. 

The crown was done with Golden medium with mica chips, spackled onto fabric covered peltex cut into the shape of a tiara. I hand tacked it to the finished piece.
As far as quilting choices, I outlined where I wanted a strong line, and swirled where I wanted hair, zigged and zagged now and then.

The interesting thing to me was that I liked my sketch better than the finished project.
That's just bizarre! I am not a trained drawing person. When I start with faces I just leap in to fabric and pencil/pen and so sometimes I get proportions a bit off. Oh well, it's my process, and while I could change how I approach things, too much planning drains me, and making mock-ups takes the fun out, and well, it's how I work so I accept the occasional misstep as part of the payment.
Now if someone could tell me how to get the stupid watermark off the bottom of my picassa files, the stupid one that says 2011 I'd be thrilled! I got it on, the smartest engineer and I, one day, and now neither of us can figure out how to remove it from picassa.
I am on to the next artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. I've done two sketches, and like them both.
This group is like doing a bi monthly challenge quilt, and I love a challenge, don't you?
LeeAnna

17 comments:

Turid said...

Just beautiful! Love it!

Cara said...

Oh my, you do beautiful work! I love it so much. Klimt's one of my favorite artists as well.

Mary in Boulder said...

Wow, this turned out great!

Maria said...

Ooh la la ! She is Fabulous. You really did an awesome job. Love everything about it. Her face is beautiful, her hair astonishing, and love the gold trim . Great job!

ann said...

Love Klimt. I also am a BIG fan of glitz, so your quilt is really a hit with me.

Joanne said...

Gorgeous! Really gorgeous LeeAnna! And it's only 12 x 12! What fine detail! Those eyes! On your blog it seems like mirrored image of yourself! She's looking to the right, and you're looking left!
Well done! Looking forward to seeing the whole collection! But first Toulouse - Lautrec!
I'll go over to Picassa and take a look. Maybe try clicking on the right button on the mouse when you're over properties or another command that has to do with watermark.
Joanne

PugMom said...

OMG! This is stunning. I think that Klimt would be jealous. If you still love your drawing, you should frame it and keep it!
Pugs and kisses,
Nancy

bearbuster said...

wow, wow, WOW! Will I be admiring this in person at next year's Houston Quilt Show? You are such an artist. Someday artist will be trying to mimic YOUR style. Pat

dq said...

Love this little piece of art! Your blog is very interesting and inspiring. I will add you to my blog roll.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

This is truly a piece of art!!!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a beautiful piece, so intricate! Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

Lorna McMahon said...

I am blown away! This piece is just amazing. The fabrics, that face, all the little details! Your explanation of your process was very interesting. Looking forward to seeing what you create for the next challenge!

Gemma@prettybobbins said...

Oh wow! This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing the process and the stunning finished piece. Thanks also for linking up :)

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Leeanna this is absolutely beautiful! I love everything about it. WOW... I can't even begin to imagine doing these... thank you for sharing your lovely work.

Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation said...

wow, this is truly a work of art! amazing!

Thanks so much for linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday!

:) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

Sew Hungryhippie said...

STUNNING. I just keep looking. So impressive. :D

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Thanks for rejuvinating under our Machine Applique Tuesday Archives theme!