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.