It all began when DH, executive vice-president of stretcher bar stapling, was helping me get the Fenwick Island lighthouse canvas ready for stitching.
"What are you going to do with this one?" he asked.
"Probably needle-blend the sky, but that's about it," I replied.
"The same blue sky stuff? You can't do that! This little guy may be authentic, but he needs something! How about a sky at sunrise?" he challenged. "You blended different colors before on the Kansas postcard, and that turned out just fine--you really should try it!"
Muttering under my breath, I headed for the computer and began a Google image search for sunrises--there are some things that your imagination can't conjure up and still look realistic! I found just the right photo, printed it out and showed it to DH. His response: "Go for it!"
Armed with a doodle canvas, bags of floss and my DMC color card, I started the "Grand Experiment." I knew I needed three colors--pink, yellow and blue--that were of the same value so they would transition smoothly. My final selection narrowed to DMC floss #776, 818 and 819 (pinks), DMC floss #3823 (yellow) and DMC floss #3756, 775, 3841 and 3325 (blues). Then it hit me: no way would the lighter shades of floss cover the blue sky that I'd already painted on the canvas. Back to the painting table, where I worked up another canvas without a painted sky.
Three days later, here's the result--a sky at sunrise! It's taking me some time to get used to seeing one of my lighthouses without a solid blue sky behind it, but DH has given it his blessing! For those of you who'd like to try this at home, and would like the exact formula of floss combinations that's too lengthy to go into here, just e-mail me at anne@absdesignsonline.com.
10 comments:
Oh wow! This is spectacular, and will be gorgeous when stitched. Very realistic sunrise effect.
This is just too beautiful!!
Oh I love the sky on this one. It really stands out! Keep stitching!!! :)
Hi Anne,
Men often have wonderful suggestions. I know that mine often has, so I often ask him how he likes what I am doing. He is my biggest critic and spares no punches at times (grinning)
I love that sky - it almost seem to be alive and that is a nice change from "the same blue sky stuff" as your husband said.
I am now waiting for some sea birds to grace the sky - wondering what your husband would think about that (big grin)
Pierrette =^..^=
Love it! and am sending an email for the "recipe".
This is breathtaking, Anne! Now you'll have to paint the canvas to match from now on. This one is going to be a big seller! Can't wait to see the rest of the canvas stitched.
You have chosen a lovely addition to your options for the skies you paint with a needle. This one is truly lovely!
Nancy
It worked! I really like this and at your leisure you can forward me the formula. You are so-o-o creative.
I love it!! So pretty!
Hi Anne,
The sky is wonderful!
And of course it's on the east side of the light house right? And if not, we'll just call it a sunset. :-)
I actually can't remember which way the door faces. LOL!
And as far as Pierrette's comment about sea birds, where it's located they would have to be sea gulls. :-)
Cynthia
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