This is a quick over view of the process of creating a hand painted silk art quilt and the process of working on a commissioned piece of art, as apposed to whatever you may feel like doing.I have found some of my best art quilts have come from a commission. There is a fine balance between you as an artist creating original work and making something dictated by another person’s taste.
It’s not as hard of a seeming conflict to reconcile as it might seem. Someone who has commissioned a work from you already likes you work and style. They want one of your creations. So if you communicate well, ask a lot of questions, have them send pictures of something similar to their idea, and you in turn send photos to them as well, to clarify what they are picturing.
I always think of the analogy of going in for a haircut. You clearly tell the hairdresser what you want and she seems to understand exactly. When you get home, arggh-this is NOT what you wanted. What went wrong? She thought she understood you and you thought she did, but she understood what she thought you were saying.
So this step is crucial. Send a sketch or 2 of what youthink the client wants, get feedback. Here’s an idea my client had and some examples of sketches I worked up and sent to her.
Not exactly right. It was my interpretation of what I thought she would like. I didn’t sense enthusiasm. Back to the drawing board. She wanted a large kracken or octopus threatening the ship.
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Next step translate her vision into my vision and style. I painted the background. I decided a big raging storm would be cool. I let a spot where I can applique a ship behind a wave on the left. More painting to come as well.
Big Storm
I painted my ship roughly. A few light pencil marks to guide me. The silk is already fused to Wonder Under by Pellon. I played around with placement before I cut it out and fused it down, as shown in next picture.
Below, the ship cut out and fused down.
More later, the Krackin! Stay Tuned!
Had enough for 1 sitting? More later.
PEACE OUT FOR NOW. Who said that? It sounds so cool.
The painted Octopus on silk, ready for applique.Playing with placement
It’ time to send some progresses photos to your client, get their reaction.
Published by Barbara Harms Fiber Art & MoreBarbara Harms Fiber Art
About Myself & My Approach
I come from a family filled with many artists.s always played a role in my life, in one form or another.
By my teens, I had narrowed my focus to painting.I decided I was going to become a serious painter. I joined the Las Vegas Artist's Guild, at 15, the youngest member at that time.
I was totally out of my league, a kid among so many serious adult artists. But to be there, exposed to art in that way was quite an experience. I was enraptured, soaking up. I tried to go unnoticed, just a fly on the wall, mute, a big ole smile plastered on my face. soaking it all up. I tryed to go unnoticed; a mute teenager, eyes wide opened and a huge smile plastered across my face. I’m pretty I was noticed, a mute kid with an enraptured look on my face.
I've continued to paint throughout my life. On occasion I've sold my work, but I had more important priorities, one being raising my wonderful children.
My circumstances have changed, the kids grown, I had more time and Art was like theorpy for me.
I was introduced to the world of quilting & fell in love.
I did miss the creative freedom painting afforded.
Then I discovered mixed media fiber art, I was home.
MY APPROACH TO ART
It's the creative process that holds the greatest attraction for me. Starting with a tiny seed of an idea; vague and blurred around the edges, I follow where that leads.
My approach is an instinctual one. Generally, I do little pre-planning.
themselves, my appproacj response js an instinctual one.
This approach can lead to quite a few changes in the direction the quilt takes. The outcome can come as a surprise. I love that element of surprise!
Sometimes everything just comes together & I think this is one of my better ones. I can’t wait to show someone. I feel like a six year old, running home from school, a drawing in hand, excited to show Mom. At those times. I'm smiling like the Cheshire cat.
I’ve had work published in several magazines., which is gratifingvl. But the most gratifying thing is having clients be really happy with their purchased quilt.
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2 thoughts on “Beginning a commisioned silk painted art quilt”
I agree, it’s really understanding what is in their minds eye. Once you have a good idea of that, their enthusiast spurs you on even more.
Love the paintings. They’re very strong and charged. Working with a commission is a great experience when you know you’re finally on the right track. I tend to work better when I know someone has expectations. It’s a little nerve wracking but worth it in the end.
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I agree, it’s really understanding what is in their minds eye. Once you have a good idea of that, their enthusiast spurs you on even more.
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Love the paintings. They’re very strong and charged. Working with a commission is a great experience when you know you’re finally on the right track. I tend to work better when I know someone has expectations. It’s a little nerve wracking but worth it in the end.
Good luck!
Barbara
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