Penrose

New art Quilt Composition

2012-02-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

I'm laying out my latest bits; gelatin prints, freezer paper stencils, layered painted fabric, etc. I'm planning on sewing it together, top stitching, then I'll glue it to a large canvas.

"Facets of Fiber" Show

2012-01-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

The show opening on Saturday night was a mob scene, with lots of cream puff cake being handed out! We enjoyed seeing all the familiar faces and meeting new fiber art lovers (or at least, new to us). Afterwards, we took over the second floor lobby of the Warwick for more wine, food, and fun.
If you get a chance, come check out the show at the Art Institute of Colorado in downtown Denver near 12th and Lincoln - it runs through February.

Going Back In

2012-01-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a sample of some fairly blah fabric I had done one layer of deconstructed silk screening with. The colors I chose were light toned green, tan and some light orange. I have now added some areas of rust with a foam print. (Easiest thing in the world - you can see more in an article I wrote for the Aug/Sept issue of Quilting Arts magazine).

Moral of the story; always go the extra mile!

Doodle Design for Screen Printing

2012-01-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

Work smarter, not harder. . . I'm having a thermofax screen made of my flower doodle drawing. I plan on incorporating faint shapes of it into my layered surface designs for fabric. More on this when I get it back from Lyric Kinard in N. Carolina.

Article in Quilters Newsletter!!

2012-01-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to my article about printing on fabric with Tulip paint. It's in the Feb/March 2012 issue, and if you look in the big "Q" on the cover, it mentions my winter banner workshop.

New Year, New Designs

2012-01-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

I had saved and dried leaves from last September (it doesn't seem that long ago, does it)? Everything went wrong with my gelatin plate printing - it froze in the fridge, it cracked, it was watery when it thawed. I attempted to use the dried leaves and they stuck to the cracked mess, etc. I was pretty frustrated, but this apparently is a process when even your worst day has some nice results. I took this swatch and printed over it with found objects (in this case I used an old greeting card with die cuts). Using complementary colors is a can't miss, no fail way to pump it up. . . more later on the progress of my gelatin prints as I continue to salvage them.

"Facets of Fiber" Show

2011-12-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here's an update about the show - it will have the works of 37 artists, several of whom are internationally known - I'm honored to be in such a show. There were 150 works submitted, so we had to earn this one! The Colorado Art Institute will be the venue, with the reception taking place January 27th.

More Good News

2011-12-14T05:51:00.000-08:00

I was very gratified to learn my Nature Journal diptych was juried into "Facets of Fiber". This show will be Jan/Feb at the Colorado Art Institute. I'll post a link as soon as I have one, and more images.

Exciting News!

2011-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

I sent in a picture of my art kids' finished houses to Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, (where I got the house template to print out) and they emailed back to say they will put the picture in the magazine! It'll be put in the "Social Corner" feature, which is like a "letters to the editor" section. The kids will be so thrilled to see their work published. . .

Freezer Paper Print

2011-12-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is a total experiment, full of "happy accicents". First, my gelatin plate froze in the refrigerator, creating icy irregular spots. Then, I decided I don't like the orange spots I added with a water soluble colored pencil. (Too garish).
I think I'll rewet, add some neutral paint, and see if I can even it out. . .

Detail for "Facets of Fiber" Show Entry

2011-11-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

I used the best of my gelation print session, collaged the elements using acrylic gel medium, and embellished with machine stitching. I then wrapped my canvasses with the images (all having to do with nature), and I'll wire the backs for hanging.
More later if I get juried into the show. . .

2011-11-17T08:45:00.001-08:00

Surface Design Association

2011-11-17T08:32:00.001-08:00

I appreciate the mention in SDA's newsletter! Yes, I do have a how-to article coming up in Quilter's Newsletter magazine. It's a four page demonstration of printing on fabric with my Tulip paint technique, and the finished project is called "Winter's Glow". There will be templates of the subject matter shapes (a birdhouse, a star, etc), and readers will be able to make their own wall hangings with this technique.http://sdacolorado.org/

Project for My 4-H Art Kids

2011-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

I got this house template from Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, and the kids love the idea of making their own "Art Houses"! I printed them up on card stock to make sure they could take layers of mixed media such as colored pencil and various watermedia. I'll post more pictures when they finish their houses. . .

2011-10-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Basically what you do is to double the normal amount of unflavored gelatin to water, chill in a small baking pan, and roll acrylic paints over it with a brayer. Lay your subject matter on top, and put plain fabric over it. The leaves (or whatever you use) becomes a resist.

2011-10-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

Images From This Morning's Printing Session

2011-10-20T09:15:00.001-07:00

Fun with Gelatin Printing This Morning!

2011-10-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

I hadn't done gelatin printing before, so I used Rayna Gilman's formula from her book, "Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth". She explains it very clearly, and I read it through a few times to make sure. I'll let things dry thoroughly, heat-set, then overlay some more images on top. Why? Because I can never leave things well enough alone!!! This is just too much fun . . .

Photo Shoot this Week at Quilters Newsletter Magazine

2011-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Bob and I rolled in nice and early on a bright sunny morning at Creative Crafts Group publishers in Golden, CO. We were impressed by the big complex, and the beautiful quilts in the lobby. After about an hour of being very professionally posed and photographed, (my hands doing a 12 step demo of my Tulip paint printing process) we were done! Thank you, Dana Jones (editor) for the opportunity, and I can't wait to see the Feb/March issue. Quilters Newsletter is always a bright, colorful shot of happiness in my mailbox. . .

2011-10-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

2011-10-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Doodle Fabric

2011-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Doing some experimenting with mixed media (waterproof pens, acrylic inks, stencil overlays with paints) and in general just going wild with my imagination. More on this later . . .

Fall in Colorado

2011-10-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Light frost at night, 75 degrees in the afternoons, and the aspens are ablaze all around us. . . I feel like cooking roast chicken with gravy and stuffing! Bob is busy splitting wood for the wood stove - we're going to have a cozy fall.

Finishing my Article on Printing Technique

2011-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a peak at the process - more later.

United Nations Opening of "Women, Peace, and Security" Theme

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

In early August, the opening of this quilt art show in Geneva, Switzerland was well received. I was informed that Hilary Clinton was there to speak that same time period and saw the show!!!! There are some lovely works - to see the photos, click this link:

2011-09-09T09:12:00.001-07:00

Lovely Trip Back Home

2011-09-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Bob and I took our annual trip to the Seattle area where I'm from, and spent 3 weeks in all. . . We spent time with family, revisited all the familiar spots we love and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Here are some images from our journey. I hope you get a sense of the beauty of the Northwest.

"My Pink Heaven" - Cloth Paper Scissors

2011-08-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

"My Pink Heaven" - Cloth Paper Scissors "A Little Me" for ClothPaperScissors magazine. This reader challenge specifies entries MUST be 6 inches square.
Working that small forces you to be creative, and selective.

Foam Printing Article!!!

2011-07-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

This is the Aug/Sept issue of Quilting Arts magazine. I have an article on foam printing in it!!!! (Happy-happy, joy-joy)!

Here Comes the Sun!

2011-06-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

I took water soluable colored pencils, and filled in the spokes, (is that the right term?) face, and other design elements, and sprayed with water to soften. This seems to be the running theme in my work, doesn't it - spray with water to soften!
Next, I'll either use it in an art quilt, or I'll create another Tulip paint print for demo purposes. Hmmmm, what's a good subject for another one? I'll have to think about that.

More Tulip Paint Prints

2011-06-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

As with the butterfly, I took a manilla folder and drew a design with Tulip dimensional fabric paint. This leaves a raised image to work from. I let it dry 24 hours, and painted over it with a brayer and some acrylic craft paints, mixing 3 different colors.
I laid a piece of plain white fabric over it, and lightly rubbed with fingertips over the raised texture. Quickly, before it dried, I selectively sprayed with water where I thought softening would improve the look.
Later, I'll overlay some more color to finish.

Happy Ending

2011-06-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

I was so gratified to see the faces on the couple who commissioned the portrait for their newly married friends. Anne teared up - and I knew I had done something right!

Commission is Completed!!!

2011-06-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

This double portrait is to commemorate the memorial day wedding of this happy couple - a joyful task if ever there was one! It was commissioned by their dear friends, and I'll deliver it tomorrow.
I first enlarged a small photo of the two, then drew a "map" of their features; nothing too detailed, but placement was what I went for. I drew more and more detailed features in - starting with light colored skin toned water-soluble colored pencils. I worked up to the darker colors (the reason for this progression is to avoid errors) feeling my way along. I ended with dark brown Sharpie on the eyes, etc.
Next, I pieced together the fabric (a combination of hand dyes and commercial batiks), then glued it to a 20" bu 20" canvas. Bob wired the back for hanging - and it's done.
This will be a total surprise to the newlyweds!

"Remembrances" Show

2011-05-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Triptych: "Musings" in Summit County Exhibit

2011-05-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Artist demos how she creates unique fabric works Sunday | SummitDaily.com

2011-05-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Artist demos how she creates unique fabric works Sunday | SummitDaily.com

Article in the Summit News!

2011-05-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm very thrilled to have such a great mention in the Summit Daily about my exhibit, "Remembrances". I'll post more pictures of the art itself.

Solo Show in Summit County

2011-04-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Summit County Arts Exhibit Committee juried my work into the County public buildings for May and June. I'll do a quick little 5 minute interview for Altitude TV, and a demo of various surface design techniques in conjunction with this show. The Summit Daily News will give information for the show in their locations, dates for the show.
http://www.summitdaily.com/section/calendar

Paint Day

2011-04-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

I took a piece of manilla folder, and drew a butterfly on it with Tulip dimensional paint, and let it dry. It gave me a slightly raised design for printing with. I painted it with acrylics and pressed it down on fabric that I'd already tie-dyed.

Peace Quilts: Women's Power and Resilience in Conflicts

2011-04-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Cool video of the quilt show in Geneva. Mine is in there!!!

Fiber Art Exhibit at NCAR

2011-04-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time at Susan Brooks's reception. Bob, Marge, and Terry came with me, and we all loved the quality of her work - the deconstructed silk screening, the organic look of her stitching, the colors.

Foam Prints for Quilting Arts Magazine

2011-03-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm working on an article about foam printing on fabric, which will be featured in the August/September issue of QA. One of the pieces I've completed for this project is a work inspired by the architecture in Santa Fe. We've been there often, since we live only a five hour drive away, and have lots of great pictures of the old cathedrals, including the oldest one in the U.S., dating back to the 1600's.

"Women, Peace, and Security" Exhibit

2011-01-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Here it is! The finished art quilt for the U.N. traveling exhibit "Women, Peace, and Security", which will bring support to women in war torn countries. I am happy to be a part of that cause. This will get shipped tomorrow.

Welcome to My World!

2010-12-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here's another element for the U.N. art quilt. Since the subject is women in war torn countries, I thought I'd add a global image.

First, I printed a map image on my photocopier. Next, I cut out the continents and used a glue stick to stick them down onto some batik I felt had an organic feel. I then drew around them with reddish colored pencil, a blue water-soluble crayon. Then I splattered blueish green acrylic paint over the whole thing, spraying with clear water to soften, then blow dried to keep things from spreading too much, as can happen with paint on fabric.

I'll go over the continent shapes with dark thread to bring them more into focus.

Our view towards Sheep Mountain

2010-12-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today is December 23, Christmas Eve Eve. It's a pleasant 40 degree day here in the Central mountains of Colorado. There's a snow storm expected, but we find in our little area we often don't get the huge dumps at the ski resorts only half an hour away. It's all topography here. We're lucky we have this beautiful mountain to see out our window. In the mornings as we sip our coffee and wake up slowly, warm pastels of peach and fuchsia creep over our much loved mountain.

Art Quilt in Progress

2010-12-16T08:55:00.001-08:00

Latest project is an art quilt for the United Nations Quilt challenge. The theme is "Women, Peace and Security" to bring attention to the hardships of women in war torn countries. My approach is to portray a woman who is in a turbulent situation but dreams of a better life. Elements of both strife and serenity will be in this piece, symbolized by a bare tree, a bird, etc. In the background I'm drawing words freehand and I'll add more layers of color. The face is complete and will have a burka appliqued on to it.

My Contribution to the Sketchbook Challenge

2010-12-08T13:42:00.001-08:00

My "sketch" for the day is really more of a zentangle. Which I guess means it's really a glorified doodle, since that's what a zentangle is!

The Sketchbook Challenge: Sketchbook profile : Jill Berry

2010-12-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Sketchbook Challenge: Sketchbook profile : Jill Berry: "We'll be posting sketchbook profiles of the Sketchbook Challenge Artists over the next couple of weeks so you can get to know us a little be..."

Winter Aspens

2010-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

Can't-miss, no-fail tree sketching exercise:
Use deep-toned colored pencils and get into a zen state drawing enough branches to get a pretty composition. Then fill in the spaces between with brights - you want to get a stained glass window effect.

October Surface Design Demo

2010-10-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

This from the Summit Quilters Newsletter:
"Fiber artist Rose Legge provided our October program. We all gathered around and watched Rose create her own prints on muslin, using stencils cut from freezer paper, and stamps made from thin foam and other materials. She even convinced us that you don't have to draw to create art. Rose also brought several books on art quilts, and some of her own creations to inspire us. Thank you, Rose!"

Child's Face

2010-10-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Kids are the hardest portraits to do. Why? Because you need to use such a light hand. They're very easy to overdo! They don't have much in the way of lines, shadows, etc.

Completed Face

2010-10-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is the nearly finished art quilt. I've pieced it together with hand dyed fabric (and some commercial fabric). Now I need to add the backing and top stitch.

Making Faces

2010-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

To do portraits, I start out very light. You can always go darker, but you can't go lighter; so my rule of thumb is to go layer by layer until it's right.

2010-09-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Next Stage of Bird

2010-09-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here's the quilt top with the bird from the previous post. I drew details with a colored pencil and finished it with a layer of acrylic varnish to protect the drawing. Next, I pieced it with other sections of similar surface design technique plus some commercial fabric. I used machine decorative stitching and hand stitching with French knots and seed beads.

Freezer Paper Demo

2010-09-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

First, I made a copy of a bird photograph and enlarged it to 150% of normal. (Easier to work with.) I then cut it out with small craft scissors, then traced around it onto freezer paper. Then, I ironed it onto fabric (shiny side down). At this point I painted over the image with acrylics (don't thin them down too much - the paint will bleed under the mask). Next, I thinned out the colors with water when further away from the bird to soften the effect. Two examples follow.

First Bird

2010-09-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

This bird mask was painted over on unbleached muslin. This image is strongly contrasted with the paint around it, and needs enhancement with more details; first overpainting in a soft tone, and drawing with a gel pen, colored pencil or sharpie.

2010-09-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is an example of a freezer paper mask over pre-dyed, (or commercial) fabric. I used stamps to embellish around the bird. It's not necessary to go any further and draw details on the bird if that's not your strong point.

Altar Series

2010-07-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

These are an offshoot of my interest in meditation - plus the fact that I get a satisfying feeling from the house shape. "Home" is such a deep instinctive need, don't you think?
These are printed with cut funky foam, freezer paper stencils, etc. and I added cutout drawings on watercolor paper.

Foam Printing

2010-07-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

This is quick and easy with instant gratification. Take a pen and draw on a foam plate, then paint over it with acrylics. Quickly print on unbleached muslin.
This part of my "Joy of Creativity" surface design demo.

Juried into Summit County Public Buildings

2010-06-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

My presentation to the Summit County Arts Council went well, and I'm scheduled to exhibit my work in spring of 2011 for 6 months in the Commons, the libraries, and other art spaces. They will do newspaper coverage and I'm in their lecture series.

Mancuso was Wonderful

2010-05-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

What a great show! I was happy to meet others in my SAQA region of WY, UT, and CO, and amazed at the caliber of their work. I learned a LOT.

Coffee Filter Butterflies

2010-04-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

First I drew butterfly outlines with a sharpie. (A gel pen will work, too.) I then painted over them with watercolors, then cut out the shapes and affixed them to the art quilt with acrylic gel medium. Then some top stitching.

Two Pieces at Mancuso!

2010-04-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

I'll have a piece in the SAQA regional "Cutting Edge" show at the Mancuso April 29 - May 2. Forty of us will be there 1-3pm on Thurs the 29th.

I'll also have a piece in the U.N.'s Quilt Challenge show also at the Denver Mancuso.

"Sanctuary"

2010-04-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

The bird's nest was drawn with gel pens and painted over (I call it "colorized") with watercolors, and then I re-emphasized some of the lines with a darker color in gel pen. Painted organza was cut out in the shape of a heart and drawn around with gold dimensional textile paint in a squeeze bottle.

Breaking Traditions Exhibit Published

2010-04-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

My art quilt, "Sanctuary" is now published in a catalog of the 2009-10 traveling exhibit with the theme of "Home".
Next stop for this show is the Perrysburg, OH Arts Council exhibit space in May.

Rockies Game - Rites of Spring!

2010-04-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

What does this have to do with art? Not much - except that one of my best ways to do my personal best work is to go away and not look at my current project or think about it for a while; then to come back and look at it afresh.

Touring in Hampton, VA

2010-04-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo from the U.N. Global Fund website showing part of our exhibit. There will be more pictures added when the show comes to Denver at the end of this month.

Almost Completed

2010-03-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

Work in Progress

2010-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

This piece is for the Mancuso show in Denver the last weekend in April. I have some top stitching left to do on the tree leaves, then I need to put together the layers.

Shibori Dye Day

2010-02-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

This is an element for a foliage montage piece for the SAQA exhibit at the Denver Mancuso show in April. Updates to follow; the piece is coming along wonderfully well considering I'm teaching myself a couple new techniques.

D.C. is Snowed In!!!

2010-02-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

The worst snowstorm in many years has hit. Rudely enough, this is hampering the U.N.'s Quilt Art exhibit in the Rayburn Congressional Building, in which I have a piece.

This will be rescheduled and I'm checking on that to see when.

"Symbols of Life" Goes to Congress!

2010-01-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

Update on the United Nations exhibit: my art quilt as well as the other fifteen in the show will be on display at the Congressional Building in Washington D.C. February 8th and 9th. For more info, go to www.quiltchallenge.org
See quilt in the post below.

Geveva Show Continues to Travel

2010-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

My "Symbols of Life" entry was featured in Geneva, Switzerland in the United Nations Convention exhibit for the Global Fund in the month of November 2009, and will continue to travel with the show throughout the U.S. in 2010 with the Mancuso shows. The next venue will probably be in the Senate Office building, D.C., in February '10, so check back - I'll keep updating.

"Breaking Traditions" Traveling Exhibit

2010-01-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

My piece entitled "Sanctuary" is being shown at the Plymouth Community Arts Council, Plymouth, Michigan for the month of January. This show will continue to travel for the year 2010.

2009-11-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

New Sewing Machine!

2009-11-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

I finally, after hearing how great Janomes were for months, bought a new Kenmore electronic sewing machine. Why Kenmore? Because I read in a consumer report that said Janome makes Kenmore sewing machines - and it was on sale for a VERY sweet price! Time to upgrade to some great decorative stitches! Watch for new, embellished work.

"Symbols of Life"

2009-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here it is! I learned that I really like applique.

New Work for Show in Geneva, Switzerland

2009-09-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a piece for the U.N. International Convention. This piece will be auctioned off to benefit the Global Fund for Aids and Malaria.
Here, I've cut pieces of Funky Foam and glued them down on a foam plate to print simple, child-like designs. The theme the Convention had asked for was "making the world a healthier, happier place for children." So I've used bright happy colors and appliques of birds, etc. More to come.

Museum Show

2009-08-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

I and two other collaborators in textile, Nancy Grove and Kate Cox, are having a display at the South Park City Museum. I'm finishing a few small pieces this week to hang next week.

New Work

2009-07-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

I just completed this for the "Place to Bark" traveling fiber art display. I had to condense what I wanted to say with it because the theme was "Home", and I have no end of feelings about that. I tried not to get too sentimental!

Beautiful Art Thought

2009-05-21T10:39:00.001-07:00

I had volunteered to help take the kids from our local high school to the Denver Art Museum, and my group of kids and I were happily exploring. We LOVED a wall of notes people left about the exhibit and art in general. This is my favorite - one of the girls even copied it down for me to keep:
"Art is: My escape from my day to day life, my awakening daydream, my reminder to myself that I am more than I am."

Langley, Whidby Island

2009-05-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

At Semiahmoo

2009-05-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Trip to the Northwest

2009-05-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Bob and I did a ten day trek to see my family in Washington (plus all points in between). We saw so many wonderful places I don't have room to share all the pictures, but here are some.

Now it's time to get back to work creating again, with my image storehouse full of great memories!

EatHereNow Show

2009-04-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

My textile collage, "Taste of Summer", was accepted into the green-themed show at eventgallery 910Arts
Address is 910 Santa Fe Drive
Denver CO 80204
This show kicks off Mayor Hickenlooper's campaign to promote locally grown food and is juried by owner of the Mercury Cafe
Runs from May 1st through May 30th, 2009.

Today's New Work

2009-04-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Not the best picture, but I may sell this one tongiht, so I need some kind of record. Hand dyed, hand drawn, and commercial fabrics.

Best of Show

2009-04-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

if you love patternsrints as much as I do, you'll go nuts over this! Not mine, unfortunately, but an entry in the show we just saw.

Spring Fun!

2009-04-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Just attended my first meeting at Front Range Contemporary Quilters. What a dear collection of creative minds!

We don't live anywhere near Westminster which is where the meetings are located, so it was an overnight trip. It was so worth it to hear Deirdre Adams share her technique of quilting, then overpainting. (For those of you who don't know, she's been featured in Quilting Arts Magazine.)

We stopped on the way back to visit the Foothills Art Museum in Golden.

Thoughts from the pen of rose

2008-04-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Pens seem to be a silver thread in my life. If drawings aren't spilling out of them, words are.

My first choice would be art, though. It comes from a place beyond words, a place of mood, magic, pleasure. From the soul, where being is everything.

Today I will draw more of my nature images to convey what I wish to share; life, healing, order.

Love,
Rose