The shirt. First sketch

So, this is the first of my experimental posts - remember when we talked about ways to make me less bored as blogger? Some folks requested a look into the process before I ever pick up a piece of fabric.

So, I'll be talking to myself (and you) about the design process. Here goes!

1. this piece is going to need to be big - 90 inches across maybe - 60 or so long - since the shirt is a real shirt.

2. Background quilting - good for the most part - I like the mix of her thoughts (as represented by the flower quilting, waves and pebble quilting) mixed with his more angular and confused thinking

3. the writing is a good affect but maybe on top of the painting? There's a lack of clarity there that is problematic - the writing is where the power is in the piece

4. Not sure about the placement of the doll and shirt. Maybe they need to be switched?

5. I like the colour palette but needs to be less demarcated - also teal needs to be more teal - all the colours need to be slightly more intense, actually.

Feel free to throw your hat in the ring - with questions and comments. This isn't going to be a collaborative effort, but I'm working on this piece real time so your thoughts are welcome. :)

Linking up with WIP Wednesday at The Needle and Thread Network.

11 comments:

Jodie10.10.12
Ooh yes to the more intense colour... I am picturing the shirt higher, to make the doll look smaller and the shirt to be more in a position of power.... I adore the writing. it is going to be very interesting following along.
Sandy10.10.12
I know the 'real' quilting will not be so prominent, but the left side is a bit busy with a different pattern in each colour. It is adding to the demarkation and losing the doll. If the thoughts are seperate...
"I like the mix of her thoughts (as represented by the flower quilting, waves and pebble quilting) mixed with his more angular and confused thinking"...
then maybe the writing in the centre between them? would give more power to the writing?

just thoughts. you are brave to open for comments. feel free to reject or say 'no thanks, I decided I don't want comments while I am in the process after all.'
Sandy in the UK
Margaret10.10.12
Hmmm...I'm not sensing a connection between the broken doll and the shirt...could it be because of (as Sandy mentions) the fact the doll is a bit lost in the multiple sections of the left side? I'm sensing she's to scale with respect to the shirt, so making her larger wouldn't really be appropriate.

I like the writing, as in a journal, but yes, on top of the painting would, I think, make it more effective. Or perhaps the writing could be done as the quilting? I also have a sense there need to be buttons (besides those on the shirt)...but I don't know why that is!

Whatever you have in mind, your process will be interesting to watch. Thanks!
Marjorie's Busy Corner10.10.12
I have to come back for this; not enough artist in me to completely understand...but I know it will be fantastic!
Linda10.10.12
I will be watching too.
Living to work - working to live10.10.12
I like the idea of the cut out pieces to aid placement.

I love working with sketch book ideas, though sometimes I just dive straight in too.

H
x
Becky10.10.12
Gosh, hard to say, as I'm not sure yet what the writing is about. If that's the main focus, maybe move the shirt to the left a bit or change places with the doll? At first I didn't know it was a doll, and after reading a comment above, maybe you could put button eyes on the doll? Love the colors! Love the quilting / stitching design too!
Sheila10.10.12
I too will be watching your process with this project , I am sure you will come to thr right conclusions to placement .
Beth11.10.12
I can't read the writing because it is behind the shirt. I think the text may be the key to the entire piece. Over all I like the composition and more intense colors. But I am straining to understand the writing (meaning) but I am intrigued by the broken doll.
Regina11.10.12
You not only make great art, you can even talk about it. That is the only part I hate about quilting, it's like "explain how you came to your result" in school. Your piece will be awesome (as usual).
quilthexle12.10.12
How fascinating to see your sketch! If I understand everything right, the writing is supposed to become an important part? Does it matter that parts of it will be un-readable behind the shirt? And I sense a meaning in the pretty busy left side and the calmer right side - can't wait to see how you continue with this one!