Painting 'Gythion Glow' Part II - Scaling up

After preparing my 1/4 size samples for 'Thin Blue Line'  challenge , I was ready to scale up! The original inspiration was of boats moored at Gythion in Greece with the 'thin blue line' of hills in the background. I snipped sections out of the photograph to compress it down to a composition and proportions I was happy with and matched some of the colour in fabrics to insert as thin strips. Having to work to a fixed size of 30 x 120cm meant I had to use some maths and measuring to PLAN where I was going to insert them - not my usual style at all (normally I judge by eye and let things evolve)

 

I used the technique shown by Alison Schwabe - the strips are 3/4 inch wide and using a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance and careful adjusting and matching under the machine, can achieve gentle curves without using bias strips.

 

Then I started quilting( using the same fabric on the back although without the inserted strips means that if it all goes horribly wrong when painting, I get a second shot!) I used  Vandana variagated thread and a double or triple needle  managing to break 2 new double needles by not re-adjusting settings before inserting the needles. Next steps  were  quilting from the back with perle in the bobbin to emphasise the boat masts and some serious hand stitching

 Then I  taped it onto a board and painted it- with sharp intake of breath!  It worked , mainly because I'd learnt my lesson and erred on side of caution, working slowly and leaving some areas unpainted

 

 

 It was exhibited in several places and sold ( and apparently could have sold it several times over) It captures a particular time and place which is why I think it resonated with others. I still have the original watercolour done in  Greece and the 1/4 size sample.