Sometimes inspiration for a painting comes from hearing a word or idea. I have been mulling over the "idea" of a quilting painting, but was unsure where to go with it.  Recently, Molly Halstead, Tamarack Gallery manager, announced a theme for an upcoming gallery exhibit, titled "Warmth". I began to think of all the different meanings of the word: a warm smile, warm food, sunshine, and finally settled on the quilting painting.
In developing the concept, I used my notebook to write down what I wanted to express with the painting. For instance, the quilt itself can be warm, and certainly feels wonderful on a cool Autumn evening, or in the Summer when it comes fresh from the clothesline to wrap a chilly swimmer. Of course, the real warmth from a quilt comes from the hands that create these wonderful covers, and I settled on my final idea.
"The Quilter" will be similar to "The Student" in style, with the soft wrinkles of the fabric repeated in her skin. I am using a reference for the thread in the background from J. Anderson, titled "Big Sisters" from the Southern Watercolor Society, and loosely interpreting Mary Whyte's "Lovers" when creating the skin and quilting wrinkles.
I use tracing paper the size of my WC sheet to do the preliminary sketching (and erasing!).  Right now, I think her nose is a little big, so I will try several versions before transferring to my WC sheet.
I'll keep you posted on my progress!  :)

Having fun and making a difference!
It is hard to believe it is the middle of October! I have several large paintings lined up, but have been busy with my "real world" job. To keep on track with my art and de-stress, I have been doing small still life fruit studies. I have managed to complete about 10 of these so far this year, donating 6 of them to League for Service Silent Auction.
My most recent "smalls" are pen & ink with watercolor, fruit with cut glass. I love the way the colors reflect in the glass, and it leaves a little room in an otherwise tight drawing to let the colors flow randomly.
This one is going to the League for Service Women of Enduring Spirit luncheon. If you look closely, the League Logo is reflected in the glass. This represents the  abundance of generosity and Community Spirit exhibited by the women of the Clarksburg League for Service that has  Prints will be used as part of the centerpieces.
It is good to see the fall colors "peeping", and I can't wait to try a landscape again!
Have fun, and keep painting! :)