Iris - a study

I took this picture last summer.. the colours were magnificent and thoroughly inspiring for a study in embroidery.


To do a first analysis, I took out my watercolour pencils and began experimenting.  In order to render a visual image in thread, I have to simplify it without sacrificing any of its pristine beauty.  Although I can't get much density in the colouring,  just fiddling around with the pencils and merging with water, I had a better understanding as to how I would tackle the subject with silk thread.

So here is the first throw with the coloured pencils.  I had difficulty deepening the colours.  Although I was working on a 140 lb paper, I was concerned that more water would break up the fibres and take away some of the clarity I was looking for.  It is a little like working a silk thread too much, it breaks up and loses the luminosity.  


But the exercise was invaluable.  I was able to remove some of the busy background and single out what I think is worthy of embroidering.  However,  I already anticipate some difficulty interpreting the leaves and the earth... 


Next step is to transfer the drawing to linen and choose the palette of colours.    Stay posted for progress.

William Morris - The Hare

Beth Russell has developed some beautiful charts inspired by William Morris.  Here is 'The Hare Pillow', photographed with two other designs which I have shown in earlier posts.