New Quilt Paintings

quilt painting
Turkey’s Dilemma, acrylic and gouache, 12″ x 12″ wood panel
 

quilt painting
Echo Star, acrylic and gouache, 10″ x 10″ wood panel

These will be going to New Hampshire in a few weeks. I am still very much in love with painting quilt squares, and as you may have guessed, that’s what these are. The whole process is enjoyable to me. To start with a sketch, then move to a painting, and perhaps even eventually to a physical quilt. Or not.
I have been working on these pieces for the past few weeks. The process went from love… to hate… to love.. to loathe… to love, with each of them. Which I have discovered is part of the process. I never felt those polar opposite feelings on quilts or other projects I’ve done. With my quilts, it either works or it doesn’t, and I tend to know that early on. Pushing past that moment of total loathing is somewhat new for me. (You would be surprised at the number of projects that get discarded.) Usually, I hate wasting time on an idea that just isn’t clicking, I have no patience for what doesn’t feel like its going anywhere. But something about painting and the process of adding the paint layers, over days or even weeks, doesn’t make it feel like a hopeless cause in quite the same way. Usually, when it starts looking awful, I know its time to rinse the brushes and call it a night. It always looks at least a little better in the morning sun. And sometimes a lot better.

13 Comments
  • wendy

    September 27, 2012 at 8:12 am

    that working through the loathing section is probably one of the best lessons to learn about painting and the walking away lesson. I love these pieces. they are lovely blair, turkey’s dilemma is awesome.

  • Sharry Miller

    September 27, 2012 at 9:08 am

    The ability to just paint over a part that isn’t working is both freeing and frustrating. I suppose some people quilt in a way that allows them to just remove or cover a fabric they don’t like, but I’ve never done it. That inability is also both freeing and frustrating. Beautiful work – keep it up.

  • Jenny (BFF)

    September 27, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Blair, told you so! (You ARE an “artist”…) Your gift for color makes you a natural painter…keep going! Paint everyday!

  • Megan

    September 27, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    I am loving your paintings!
    Last month on our anniversary trip, my husband and I spotted these giant painted quilt squares all over the area we were exploring–thought you might like to see:
    http://www.lakecountyquilttrail.com

  • Charlie

    September 27, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    What a great idea! I’m fairly new to your blog so apologies if it is not a new idea to you. – it is to me. The idea of quilting is a little daunting due to the size and the not-knowing factor regarding whether your pattern and colour ideas will work. This is such a great solution. And it’s such a shame to not be able to see Megan’s find without a fifteen hour flight!

  • lauradodson

    September 28, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    Blair, these are fantastic. The top one is my fave!!! Are these commissions?!?!

  • lisa s

    September 28, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    blair – you describe that process so well. it is one that artists have dealt with since the dawn of time i think.it’s part of what makes me cringe when people say oh ! you make art – isn’t that fun?!? well yes – sometimes it is – and sometimes it’s not – but usually there is something in it – even when it’s hard -that makes it worthwhile…
    these are great my friend… xo

  • blair/wisecraft

    October 1, 2012 at 10:55 am

    Thank you again Wendy. What is it about that lesson that took me so long to learn??

  • blair/wisecraft

    October 1, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I totally agree Sharry, I think knowing that I can paint over it does make me take more of a leap of faith, for sure. Thank you!

  • blair/wisecraft

    October 1, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Thank you Megan! I am so inspired by barn paintings, thank you so much for that link!

  • blair/wisecraft

    October 1, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Thank you Charlie!

  • blair/wisecraft

    October 1, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Laura you are such a sweetheart, thank you! No commissions (I wish!). These are going to Artstream in New Hampshire for a collaborative show happening at the end of the year, equally as exciting.

  • blair/wisecraft

    October 1, 2012 at 11:00 am

    Thank you Lisa! Just when I think I’m old enough (ancient enough, in fact) to know everything- HA! I love learning! Did I read somewhere you are coming to the Pacific Northwest soon!? (I always read your blog from my phone and can’t comment for some reason). xo

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