PATRIOT. Quilt stencils with Kirsten

Don't you just love the designs of the new stencils?! I have long admired quilters and the artistry they accomplish with fabric and thread. My husband's maternal grandmother was an accomplished quilter and I remember being amazed and humbled when watching her work and seeing her numerous finished creations. She was an artist through and through.

To me, quilting is very American. I know that quilting was around before our country was formed but history shows us it flourished after the arrival of the English and Dutch settlers. Taking fabric and piecing it together in new ways brings art to a utilitarian item and don't you think it has so much symbolism? A quilt can bring comfort, security and peace. It's texture can be warm and cozy. All the seemingly different fabrics brought together with many little stitches become a finished item that seems filled with history, stories and love.

Another thing that's been on my mind lately is my Dad. He passed a little over 4 years ago. He loved this country and considered himself a patriot. He loved, supported and was ready to defend his COUNTRY. He wanted this land to be a place his posterity could flourish in and be able to feel comfort, security and peace. Now, I'm not going to wax political on you. I just want to share what I created in my art journal this week as I needed to express some positive feelings.

Here are the supplies I used:

• Ohio Star and Star Flower from the Quilts series stencils (6x6) 
• Ripples stencil from the Water Series (12x12)
• Dina Wakley Acrylic Paints
• Gesso
• White and Black acrylic paint pens

I started with a page in my journal that already had black and blue paint which I added red to.

I then used the Ohio Star and Star Flower stencils with gesso to create the background. When the gesso dried I added "stitches" with a black acrylic paint pen.

After sketching out where I wanted the face to go I added a layer with blue paint and the Ripples stencil so my face would have a subtle texture behind it.

Using gesso I created an underpainting for my face. When that was dry I built layers with the acrylics to create the face. I wanted both light and dark to show across the face.

A final quilt stencil layer on top of the face and a few words and I am happy with the results. I like how the quilt imagery adds a feeling of comfort and order. The bold quilt pattern contrasts with the painterly quality of the face which is partially hidden in the shadows but is emerging to the light.

I will leave you with this definition:

Patriot (noun)

1. A person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion.
2. A person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government.

Also in News