I know it's not autumn here in Australia, but the colours of a tradtional autumn are some of my favourites. Not very long ago I purchased and downloaded online lessons to do with creating texture on textiles. You can see the lessons here I have not actually worked through any of the lessons in their entirety just yet, but this little art journal cover is a start. The above photograph has been taken outside in the shade, but is not actually showing the colours as they are [more 'red' than pink].
I've called this Autumn Fantasy simply because I don't 'draw', and much of the time squiqqly lines and leaf/petal shapes are my limit, so all I can do is fantasize that I may one day magically be able to 'draw'. Perhaps this photograph will show the little lumps and bumps that are on the surface of the fabric. There are so many layers on this, gesso, texture paste, paint in various colours, little snippets of linen, machine stitching, glitter, and yarn [it was originally a piece of loosely woven calico].
The back view is showing the leaves/petals being blown along by autumn winds, scattered on the ground, piling up along paths, etc. Stitching this very stiff, rubbery 'fabric' was rather a nightmare, made worse by the choice of metallic thread. You don't want to know how many four letter words were used during the process!!
Some of the colour inspiration came from this piece of fabric that I received as a little gift from a friend some time ago. I'd often admired it in some pieces she'd made, and she was kind enough to send some to me. And, no, I have not used it as an inside lining for this - that is just black wool felt.
I am looking forward to working through my PDF lessons in due course, as soon as I purchase a few more provisions. I have uploaded the last photograph which was taken out in full sun [please excuse shadow in bottom right corner!!]. It does show the colours a little differently, much brighter, and closer to how it is in real life. Digital cameras don't photograph metallic all that well. In case you are interested in the size, this little art journal is A5 with lots of good quality water colour paper. I hope to make the effort to record some of my thought processes from hereon in.
Thank you all so much for actively taking an interest in my attempts to amuse myself..........LOL......
