Here are two examples of value, one has a much higher contrast than the other. One is not better than the other. Both can be use for specific purposes in different parts of the art quilt. Notice how the shapes stand out much more in the higher contrast image. In traditional quilting high contrast becomes very important in making the pattern/design stand out. High contrast is important in the art quilt as well but not over the entire surface. The art quilter needs to understand value and use it to direct the eye. In an art quilt there may be areas of less contrast that give way to ares of high contrast. Obviously, what you want the viewer to see (what is important in the story) will be in the high contrast area.

Low value contrast

High value contrast

I promise to blog more so stop by to see what is new. I’ll post more about the new color class as it develops.

This week you can join “The Quilt Show” with a 20% off discount coupon, see my show and continue to see other shows weekly plus get lots of other fun things they have to offer. Go to: http://www.thequiltshow.com/ The coupon code is 199891305045.

Next week I’ll post a link to see just my show for free and of course you still have the option of signing up with the 20% discount.

Join Linda Schmidt and me, May 1-6, 2011 for the ultimate Santa Fe Art Quilt experience. Spend 5 nights at the beautiful Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino. There will be an opening day party with four days of classes, a banquet, entertainment and many giveaways.

The Southwest, a melting pot of cultures and color is the perfect environment to inspire creativity and discover talent and abilities you may not have realized were there. Free hourly shuttles will transport you to and from the Historic Santa Fe Plaza where the Santa Fe architecture, colorful galleries and specialty shops will delight your appetite for the unique beauty of the southwest.

So, come sip margaritas, make new friends, and create something beautiful at  Art Quilt Santa Fe!

Old Pecos Cabin

It is truly an honor to be named a 2010 Niche Award winner in the Fiber Art Quilt category. As a fiber art quilt artist, I like most, have one foot sunk deep into the quilting realm and the other foot wading in the shallow water of the “art” community. This award takes me into deeper waters of the art community presenting  more opportunities. If you have a chance, take a look at the incredible talent in all the Niche categories. www.nicheawards.com

Bucky is off to The International Quilt Festival/Chicago to be a part of the IQA Judged Show,  Celebrate Spring! The kids at church are amazed that Bucky will be traveling without me. Bucky is definitely their favorite quilt right now. Hopefully he will be a great ambassador and loved by many who have the opportunity to see him. Of course even though he travels alone, a little piece of me goes with him. I’m sure every artist feels this way.

We pour our selves into each piece hoping to share some rare and wonderful insight that reaches deep inside each viewer and stirs wonder and amazement. I hope people see things they may have missed and feel things they have never felt before. When you see great art, do you have such feelings? Something to think about at least! Art is much more than a pretty picture! It should move people! Hope you enjoy my new blog. Bucky will soon be staring in the time laps video on my home page!

Michelle