Chapter 1 - Sketches based on my images of stars and crosses

Here are my sketches. Although I think I preferred my architectural samples, I now prefer my sketches based on the flowery stars. I like the curved points of the stars I have made. 

Ch 1 stars and crosses part 2

...and here is the second part. This time the original inspiration came from the photo of the Eiffel Tower in the middle.This sent me looking for stars and crosses in architecture. The Victorian school where I work provided many of these images, as did my own home. Once again I have chosen to print these all in grey scale. I hope that what they lack in colour (and a little definition as a result), is compensated for by making the form clearer. I especially like where crosses are cut by spirals and curves. I also like the blurred backgrounds seen through the crosses. 

Chapter 1 - stars and crosses part 1

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This first page comprises images of star shaped flowers, both natural and man made. The original inspiration came from the embroidery in the centre. I chose it originally as it is framed in a wooden grid, but in fact it is the detail which inspired me more - a number of the individual embroideries depict star shaped flowers. I chose to show my work in black and white, as colour detracted from the form I think - it is easier to think of flowers as stars when their colour is removed.

Chapter one colour wheel 2

Here's the second colour wheel. I'm happier with the

 gradation of colour around the wheel but I still find

 the purple to be murky. It almost looks, seeing it in the photo now that the inner circle green and the turquoise could do with being the other way around! This one was done with acrylics with different primary blue and yellow to my first wheel.

Chapter 1 - my first colour wheel

Here's my first attempt at a colour wheel. I used gouache
 but had a limited range of primary colours. The results are
 interesting. My yellow and blue were too 'acidic' I feel and
 have produced somewhat muddy secondaries. Am off to
 town now to get some new primaries. Will repeat exercise
and contrast results. Stars and crosses coming on nicely
 will post them tomorrow.

My new blog

I have created this blog to collate and show the work I am producing for the embroidery course I have just started. My turn to be the student...now I know how mine feel!