Drama Masks

I saw this canvas in Alex-Para's NeedleArts in St. Pete's, Florida and just had to have it!

To me the eyes lead the way into the very soul of this exciting piece . . .

The final three thumbnails show you enlargements of the areas around the middle mask that I'm currently working on. This time I'm starting with the head-dress and when that's done, I'll do the eyes and the face.

Each canvas has a 'working direction' that I choose to follow. The canvas shows me where I need to stitch in order to access the details without disturbing finished stitches. There is a logical stitch direction which can take a bit of calculating - but it's worth figuring out the best route for the best result.

Click on these thumbnails to the left to see detail enlargements:

I'm using Soie d'Alger silks, Kreinik metallic braid, Japanese Gold, fabric applique (canvas collage), beads, Trebizond, perle silk, and Accentuate. Progress is gradual but I'm thoroughly enjoying every minute!

Photography by Chris Barnes. Email: chrisbphoto@mac.com