April 2013, Line

The April Design Element was Line

WAV members experimented with Line for this month's lesson.  The photo shows each member's interpretation, including: a line drawing of a NYC skyline; movement created by line; visual texture created by shadows of the quilt lines, positive and negative expressions of lines, etc.

Since Cheryl missed last month's meeting, she showed us both Line and Color this month.
She mentioned color quantity and ratios when describing her Color piece (upper left corner), which was a new concept to some of us and a good refresher for others.

Pegee provided a program on Pieced Strips, as taught by Carol Taylor.  This is another way to include line in quilts.

Cynthia reminded us that our Challenge on the artist canvases are due next meeting.  One should be 24" x 36" and the companion piece is 8" x 10", vertical orientation.

March 2013, Color

 The design element for March was Color.  Participating members were: Cynthia, Linda M, Linda J, Linda C, Wanda, Kathy H, Laura, Phyllis, and  Marybeth.

This inspiring group brought samples varying from monochromatic and graduating color values to full color melted crayon creations.

The book New Twist on Strips & Curves by Louisa L Smith was passed around.  Wanda showed a wonderful stripped piece she is working on, and Cynthia hung it from the stairwell so we could all see it in its entirety.  This is a wonderful piece.

Linda C gave a program on her couturier sewing class in San Francisco, and showed several gorgeous pieces she is designing.
She also brought lots of hand-dyed silk scarves, and examples of ice dyeing.

Linda J gave a demo on the many ways to tie and wear scarves.  She needs to write a book about this.

Brooke mentioned the Bozeman Public Library is accepting exhibitions, and this could be a possible venue for our canvas challenge.  Reminder:  The canvas challenge is due at the May meeting.

This was another fun and inspiring meeting. Thank you to all of you for sharing your talent.  Next month our design element is Line.

February 2013

Cynthia opened the meeting with a program on her method of binding quilts which incorporates the binding as part of the art.  She also showed several examples of how to mount quilts onto artist's canvas.  This was a very informative program which will help us all with our upcoming challenge.  We will be doing two pieces: one 24" x 36"; and a related piece on an 8" x 10" canvas, both in vertical orientation.

Our design principle for this month was Balance.  It was noted that if our piece is in balance we will feel at ease with it.  If it is unbalanced we will be uncomfortable with it.  We instinctively know it when something is out of balance.  Kathy H had an interesting piece with individual parts that could be change around until you personally felt comfortable with the balance (lowest portion of the photo). Everyone explained the concept behind the piece they created, and a helpful critique followed.

Linda M brought a copy of the book Art + Quilt: Design Principles and Creativity Exercises, by Lyric Kinard.  It is coincidentally set up like our meetings this year, as it includes learning exercises to make 8 x 10 examples of the elements of art and design principles.  Very helpful for those of us without an art background.