I'm taking a class from Quilt University--no complaints about the class so far. I'm just not very happy with the quilt I'm making. What do you think is wrong with this? Are my fabrics too busy? Something else? Am I putting in too much? Not enough? I'm thinking it will improve when I add thread embellishment to define some things, but will it improve enough that I'll be happy with it?

I'm giving you a picture of the image I'm working from--a little stone house I saw while traveling in Italy--followed by my so-called quilt interpretation.

I've never considered myself very artistic, and I'm feeling pretty discouraged by this. I'm only about 1/3 finished with it, obviously. Any constructive feedback would be appreciated.

You are kidding of course. This is great. You may send it to me if it won't work in your house (smile). You did a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing.

Are you kidding me...that's great! I wouldn't even begin to attempt something like that. Good work!

I think maybe you are focused too much on the details of the picture. Instead of trying to recreate the textures, try for the light, medium and dark values to establish the picture and add depth. Then you can add details, or not.

Janet

I love it. I think your interpretation of the picture is wonderful.

Linda

It sure looks good to me. I think you are doing a great job. Maybe the tree and the flowers are too big. The house seems to be taller in the picture. But what do I know. I still think that you did a very good job on it. Brenda K

That is fabulous! I'll be happy to take it off your hands if you are still unhappy after reading all of the positive remarks that I predict you will be receiving here. :-)

Thank you . . .that's good feedback. It does seem like there is too much going on. As I look at what others have done, I'm thinking they might choose one texture, and then the rest is pretty plain--just the shapes and the differences in light.

And thank you all for your kind comments. But really, I'm not fishing for compliments. I'm trying to figure out what's bothering me about it. It's hard working alone in one's sewing room and trying to be objective about one's work. Usually I'm not highly self-critical, but this is not turning out as well as I envisioned it.

I love your work ... I have not been brave enough to try it ... yet.

Wonderful. Now, the tree next to the house seems too dark. Can you go lighter? Remember the foreground for balance. Wow. Wish I had the talent you do.

I know you are not fishing for compliments, but this is beautiful.

I think it looks lovely so far and I am sure that once you start adding the details, you will find you like it too. Sometimes if you look at things too closely you do not get the full effect. Many quilts/wallhangings look completely different when you step right up to them than they did from a little distance away.

wow... it's great.. the only think missing , is the rail fence... I think ur eye is drawn to it in the photo....

It's hard looking at ur own WIP's.. keep going.. I think it's looking good!

Thank you. I see what you are talking about. I think I can do something with thread . . . make some branches (like blood vessels--sort of) so that there's less green and more brown.

Oh yes, that's coming . . . Oy! Not looking forward to trying to make that work, but I have some ideas about it.

Hmmm. Well, I think maybe the mountain in the background is just too light. Can you use a fabric dye or paint to make it a softer, darker color? Like the other mt. next to the other side of the house.

I personally think it's amazing!

But if you want a comment, maybe the colors are brighter than what you intended and that's bugging you. I love the brighter colors myself, but I know that sometimes people think the subtler colors work better.

Maybe the "shadow" from the house eves (gutters) will break the separation of the house and the roof lines.

Looks good....I should be so lucky to try one. :)

I think as you mentioned, once you get the fence and some details in you'll be amazed at the difference.

The sky, the hills .. wonderful! The only problem I see, and since you are only 1/3 finished I bet this "problem" will go away.. is the front lawn. The horizon line is too harsh, but once you get the tree and the fence and other details in it will tone it down. Is that what is bothering you about it? Your final embellishments will definitely smooth it out and make it flow.
Your fabric choices are awesome.. love the roof and the walkway and the stone fence. Remember, as you said, you still have 2/3 of it to go!
I think you will love it when finished!

I think its great! Whats wrong with it?

This is just my opinion, but what I see in most landscape quilts that work best are that the fabrics for grass, buildings etc. are not literal. Meaning, they aren't fabrics that are printed with stone, or grass patterned fabric. They tend to be the same color way as the objects, but the patterning with thread is what gives it life and the interpretation of the viewer adds to the interest of the piece.

I think it looks incredible! I can't imagine attempting anything like that. Keep going and I believe you'll surprise yourself at the end and be very happy. At least you should be!

I agree with this - if you are trying to "match" the picture.

In general, the colors you used in "your" version are brighter - just an observation - but the white mountain seems a bit too white with the bright green of the mountain to the right of it.

You have a beautiful start!! I really like the different textured fabrics you are using. I can't wait to see more of this art piece!! :D:D:D

The only thing that jumps out to me is the mountain, maybe darken it up a little with crayons? To me it jumps out more than the rest of the picture.
Adding a darker strip to the eve of the roof that is up against the mountain, will help it not in blend as much into the mountains too. JMHO

it is great. I wonder if you made the house bricks a little more muted and the mountain in back a bit less snowwy looking it might blend better. But I am NO expert and lay no claim to do it better than you. You are doing great.

Ditto for me.

Love

Have you asked the same question on the class discussion forum at QU? That's what they're there for...so fellow students and the instructor can help you with any questions you have about the class. Any question at all.

The way you interpret a photograph and translate it into a different medium is never going to be the same as the way anyone else would interpret it. If you ask 20 people what to do, you will get 20 answers. ;)

Make it your own, the way you see it, not the way someone else does. Learn to trust yourself and your own intuition about your art. Follow where it leads you and enjoy the journey. You're doing just fine...relax. :D

I see a flatness that suggests a lack of depth perception in your landscape quilt. On the left side, you could overlay another darker, duller layer of grasses, so that they look like they are receding back to the mountains.

Embroidery would help to change the sharp deliniation between grass and mountain. See the line of the grasses where the fabric ends. Some grasses should be lifted up blowing in the wind, defying the boundary.

Your White mountains tend to shine forward, instead of recede into the horizon. Maybe a gray would push them back.

I think you've done a wonderful job with the stonework, the fence and flower pots. Personally, I'd like to see some embroidered details, which will outline and enhance them even more. All in all, congratulations on your good work.

I dont know what you dont like. I think its great! Alot better than I could ever think of doing. Dont be so hard on yourself.

It is great for your first try...But I'll tell you what I see...The brick on the hse should be more muted...that fabric you used too busy...that's my opinion...Other then that it is very nice...good job

My trying-to-be-constructive criticism is that I think you're paying too much attention to the fabric textures and not enough to the fabric tones. Your mountain fabric is lighter and brighter than your sky fabric, and it should be the other way around. Your grass fabric is neat, but there's no depth-of-field (the grasses don't get smaller as the picture deepens) and the line where the grass ends at the top is a little abrupt - maybe some thread painting there would help both issues.
All in all, I think your quilt is really neat!!! I LOVE the block fabric you picked for the house!

First, may I commend you for trying this new medium of quilting.

I too thought the tree looked out of balance in size & density as compared to the original. It does not look light & airy next to the house, but large & dense.

That said, I am by no means artist. It is all in my head with no talented way to come out. So therefore, take what you want of what I said & leave behind what you don't :)

First, I'm no artist. Not even a little bit, but I'll tell you what I see and you decide for yourself what you think about it.

The thing that jumps out at me is the stone in the house. I think the colors have too much contrast. They need variation, but it needs to be muted.

i think you're doing an excellent job...honest

I am not sure what you don't like about this, I think you are doing great. I might have chosen a more subtle fabric for the cottage, but that is just my preference. I love the flowers and trees placement as well as the cottage roof. Remember, As artists we are always more critical of our own work.

What the hey! It's gggggggggggggggggggggggorgeous and your very own interpretation...can't wait to see the finished art!

Hm. That's an interesting observation. I actually used the wrong side of the fabric to make it lighter, but I could definitely use a marker or thread to darken it. Thanks.

I read your message w/ much interest as I have been collecting fabric to give a try at this same thing. I feel you are doing a wonderful job and no way did I feel you were fishing for compliments, one of the reasons I love this message board we can come here and get straight answers w/o being critizied {spelling?} Ay first glance the tree is too solid & the flower pot doesn't blend in...just my humble opinion for what its worth...keeping going as I am anxious to see what you change.

I'm thinking maybe the issue is with the "bricklike" fabric of the house on the side closest to the trees. It is kind of busy and it takes the focus from the other details. Could you use the same "stonelike" fabric that you used for the end of the house?