![]() I write that number onto that area on the pattern and go to my fabrics to look for a fabric the color I want that is also a # 6 or #7 value. Holding the gray scale value card next to that area of the photo, I can see the gray value that is closest is somewhere between a #6 and a #7 (this is an art, not a science). Let’s start with the lighter red area in the pattern. Keep in mind that the gray scale value card (laminated cards are available from my website) is just a selection of gray values, there is nothing magical about any of the numbers I use. ![]() So instead, I have developed a gray scale value card that helps me determine what the value is in the photo and then I find a fabric in the same value. Many art quilters will print their photo in black and white in order to see value changes, but that can be problematic when two different colors are the same value-they look alike in the black and white photo and can often blend together. Think black and white photo, and you will have a good understanding of values. Value refers to the relative light/medium/dark of each color to the others, and gives the illusion of depth and dimension. One thing to keep in mind is that these programs can sometimes change the color a bit, so I still refer to the original photo for my color choices. In this case, I used Gimp (at posterize level 5) to create this simple pattern (if you are intimidated by the computer part, I have a pattern service on my website I print this pattern in the size of my finished artwork-in this case, sized to fit on a single piece of paper. Both programs will allow you to reduce the number of visible colors in the photo to show clear color distinctions which are easy to follow as your pattern-and allow you to control the level of detail in your art quilt. The first thing I do is simplify the photo using a computer program-either Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements using the cutout filter) or a free downloadable program called Gimp (using the color to posterize function). I love their color and shape (and think they are delicious with almond butter, but that is another story for another time!). For this project, I have chosen to use a photo of a single pear. I take lots of photos that I save in computer files by type (landscapes, seascapes, animals, people, etc). These basics do not change even when the photo is much more complex-just break up the photo into manageable pieces and treat each one in the same way. For this tutorial, I will be using a very simple example so you learn the basics. You can find more detailed information (including a workshop in a book) in my most recent book Pictorial Art Quilt Guidebook.Ĭreating an art quilt fabric collage from a photograph is not difficult. Today I am going to introduce you to my technique. I don’t need to figure out all the perspective, proportion or the light source. Why from photos? I can’t draw! So if I can see it, I can capture it with my camera and create it. My name is Leni Levenson Wiener I am a BERNINA Ambassador and author of several books-and best known for making art quilts from photos.
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