Drawing with Colour from Different Views

The painting below is the beginning of a response to Nigel's suggestion 

to use more colour and to draw from different perspectives.

Basket of soap - gouache and graphite

Satin stitch squares

Satin stitch with tacking, double cross and piping underlays (clockwise from bottom left)

Diagonal cuts and piping underlay.

Shelley Goldsmith Lecture

The subjects of Shelley Goldsmith's work tend to draw on tragedy, loss and death, often about the beginning and end of life. Her idea that you can't erase the memory in cloth relates to my thoughts about whether garments can be imbued with healing power.

Trends for Autumn / Winter 2012 /13

Trends for next winter include words like rebirth and transformation with spiritual overtones reflecting concerns about the planet. These ideas fit with my own spiritual and creative journey, 

I feel as if my spirit is waking up from a deep sleep. 

A dress by Sarah Burton made from broken china referenced the Japanese wabi sabi aesthetic that I looked at in my essay,
I think my cut stitches relate to this idea
and the embroidery on the Marni coat below also creates a broken edge.

Alexander McQueen

Marni A/W 2012/13

Circles and Layers

Creating 3D effects is important to me, so I am considering layers and repeats as illustrated below. Gornall's combination of precise lines and organdie circles in brilliant colours across layered planes are very compelling. Harries' layered alphabets have a more simple, rustic look but again have depth.

Short Walk VIII (detail) Rachel Gornall

Embroidery May / June 2011 p.40

Slate Alphabets (detail) 2009 Ruth Harries

Embroidery November / December 2011 p.30

Looking for edges

I feel I have to get in charge of the multi head which at the moment feels as if it dictates the terms.  I wanted to draw with it but the colours, the fabric and the scale don't work, I think it's better to pursue the satin stitch technique for now.

Asta Barrington's work gives me a sense of how my work could develop.

Scarf by Asta Barrington

Winter jasmine

Tutorial with Nigel

Looking over sketchbooks and technical files from previous years Nigel focused on my drawing ability, which was encouraging. He picked out a photo of lipsticks I'd taken, 

pointing out the colour palette using a flash of mauve amongst the dark tones. 

• Develop drawing using colour and tone.
• Draw from different viewpoints rather than just straight ahead.