chequerboard patterns 2
2008 March 22
After I had pieced together some silks for a chequerboard look I had a nagging feeling I had seen a painted fritillary flower somewhere. After gazing at the fabric for a time, it dawned on me that the peerless Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) had painted a series of beautiful watercolour flowers, and amongst the collection, there is this exquisite portrait here. It’s worth clicking on the enlarge image button on that page.
So, what if he had created a Mackintosh fritillary? He may have done , but this is an idea to explore. I have made couple of very rough sketches so far.
Aren’t Mackintosh’s flower studies exquisite! We’re trying to naturalise snake’s head fritillaries in the grass around our wild-life pond. each year I scatter the seeds and look out for the tiny leaves in the grass around the parent plants. With the help of some green netting fences the hens have been persuaded not to scratch the plants and we’re looking forward to some beautiful flowers soon.
Your fabric design ideas look great!
Celia
Celia-I wish you so much luck establishing the fritillaries in the grass. They are amongst my favourite garden flowers. Some of my little clump are in flower but there are plenty to come and they are spreading. I look forward to seeing pictures of your patch soon.
I love your new blog look – I think it’s much better concentrating on one blog … it’s a lot of work to maintain two. That business called living takes up much time and it’s best if blogging doesn’t cut into that time too much.
Your sketchbook was great fun to look at. I love the way you’ve taken the Fritillaries as a springboard for your stitchwork. I love the colours of the fabrics.
I discovered a catalogue of Mackintosh’s illustrations at the library. It made for fascinating reading as it discussed what was going on in his life during the times he made the various illustrations.
I am a fan of Charles Rennie Macintosh too. I like your sketches – it looks like the sort of thing he would have done doesnt it?
How fascinating, this entire process that you are living in order to create your fabric art. It is amazing. Thank you for showing us the intricacies of your work, TS! Debi @ GHT