Scale in Motif

I had a query about motif on work that scales up, 14" to 28" for example.  If the motif stays the same in relation to the size of the 'frame' then it is either too large (for the small work) or too small (for the larger work) It becomes -- if small-- background, or busy if medium, or the portrait if left large to fill the frame. Here is the same motif in two applications framed and edited.

 

Four Square

 

Prints through the wash let me know lots. Is this new motif strong? Are the colors holding, or are some wimping out? Which can I combine, and which will lend themselves to a minor role? And is there one that has text or letterforms? I'm eager to prints more. This is a set of four pieces.

They Look Good When They're Wet!

But after this is washed, it's a different animal -- subtle, gentler, softer colors. I'll wash this out and show you the difference. Tomorrow is wash day, print day, sort day.
 

Motif Sources for Printing

On my info sheet for materials for my textile printing classes I suggest finding motifs and graphics for inspiration. Photos, drawing, notes are great to have, as well as some online 'folders' like Pinterest. I've one that keeps some ideas for me, and for you if you care to browse.  https://www.pinterest.com/patpauly/motif-for-surface-design/
 

You Print What You Are

Jean is printing what she is wearing, which means the pallet is already part of her vocabulary. I see this occur often, and must say that some purposfully wear what they are interested in. Anyway, whether this is true or not, she's got some great motifs going, and has dived into the deep water of printing successfully.
 

Printing and Printing

A wonderful group to talk about our first day's work in Art Quilt Midwest, here in Warrensburg, Missouri. We're a mix of seasoned printers and some newbies, but it takes no time at all to fill the gap for printing expertise. We've three more days to work, plenty of things to try, and want only for afternoon snacks.
 

Favorites from Others

Each person in the class chose someone else's piece to talk about (for a change!) and it's always the best time. Because the speaker starts with "I love..." and the rest is wonderful. We are so fortunate to have the space to do this and enjoy the work we did through the week. 
 

Print East or Print West

This spring's workshop is in the lovely Finger Lakes, near me, in Auburn New York. The Schweinfurth Art Center (Quilts=Art=Quilts sponsor) has a week of printing May 5-9. If you're west, head north to Coupeville, Washington on Whidbey Island, and print July 21-25. Join me, you won't regret a thing.

 

San Francisco After My Heart

Should I ever own a store, the front would look like this. San Francisco hold many delights with surface design, graphic design, architectural design, you name it. This 'sprout' caught my attention. Many of you who've printed with me know my love of botanical motif. I'll take this one to my screens.
 

Mid Week at the Lake

 

Wednesday of a print class is when we get in 'the groove'. At this point in the workshop, motifs are flying,  getting recut, redrawn, and used in every direction. Along with work time, we have great food, a neat and tidy room to rest, and many mini lectures from great fiber artists. Art Quilt Tahoe, I'll see you in 2025.

Still Not Finished

 

As I wind through the reel of pictures of the San Diego Class, I remember that this work, that most all of us loved as it, was not what the maker wanted. The white was eliminated, and I remember that the final result was improved from this. Sometimes safety is in need of experimentation.

Last Day of Class

Six days of printing is almost unheard of, but thanks to Andrea -- our fearless producer -- we printed like there was almost no tomorrow. The work was rich, diverse, inventive, and surprising. With a fine group to work with, I loved my time in San Diego. Thank you to all, and glad the storms let up to show sunshine.

 

What Does It Say?

 

A great joy of this workshop 'Mad About Motifs' is the morning discussion where we all find great humor in the process. Our resident typographer pointed out that the random pattern that was made spelled out RUIN. You can imagine the fun we had with that.

How We Get Happy

When someone comes up to me and smiles and states she's happy with her print, well, that's all that matters. I'm aiming for a good print, a pleasing color combination, some interesting motif. But what counts is whether they are just happy about what they made. Can't think anything else matters.
 

Show and Tell

Del brought my quilt to class so that we could see it up close. Oregon Rain is well traveled, and I was delighted to see it again. The Mad About Motifs class has been a wonderful unfolding, with one surprising print after another. We've passed the midpoint, and now can really use what we've learned.

 

Sun in Sunny San Diego

We were thrilled to see the sun after heavy rainfall. San Diego was spared the brunt of the storm which left parts of California damaged. It's still forecasting rain, so this afternoon light lifted our spirits, as well as let us see prints come alive in this light. More to come, and more to make in Mad About Motifs.
 

Mad About Motifs

The San Diego printers started today to explore the myriad ways to print in thickened dyes. And no time was wasted getting fabrics started with background and applied design. Tomorrow we'll dig deeper in the motif mud, as the rains continue and we are, for now, out of storm danger. 
 

Motif Hunting

Today was a 'day off' and we visited the San Diego Botanical Garden, which I took as a great place to collect leaf forms and ideas for printing. Any cacti proved a fine catch, and these will be a start for shapes I can use in this week's printing class. Let's see how it shakes out.

 

New Forms New Forms

I'll be leaning on my images from the garden this week to set a few new motifs to print next week. The strong forms, the odd bend of the stalk, and the mix of leaves is a wonderful start for cutting new shapes to print.
 

San Diego Live

This is the headshot I send when someone asks me to do a live workshop. February 5-9, as well as February 12, I'll be in San Diego with an independent group for a 6 day class in printing on fabric called Mad About Motifs. There are two spots open which we'd love to fill. Write me for details  patpaulyart@gmail.com