18" x 18"

The story of "Gleneagle"

The story of "Gleneagle" - Soaring like an Eagle - My workshop studies continued and my courage to experiment soared. This intricate design by Jean Hilton, titled Gleneagle, allowed me to explore my colour instincts without reservation. This piece is not primarily about colour although I took it in that direction because I love working with colour.

I chose to stitch Gleneagle with a very strong colour palette and I was fascinated to manipulate the colours within the design. My teacher's critique of the finished piece was that there were two strong centers of interest.

Always wanting to be the obedient student, I tried to tame my style. I wasn't happy with the change. Wanting to be a creative artist was more important to me so I allowed myself to fully unleash that seeming excess. I realized that to be content, I must please myself first. The resulting evolution of my style now appears in my Canvas Collage designs.

I accept that my pieces will have at least two centers of interest and probably more. My challenge is to create designs where the various aspects of colour and intricate detail "work".

Sometimes I say that I paint myself into a corner just to see how I can get myself out. I can get out by soaring like an eagle.

>Click within the stitchings to see the detail images: