Calm Seas
Mixed Media: Colored Pencil; Opalescent Watercolor; Embroidery Thread; Glass Seed Beads on Shizen Handmade Watercolor Paper.
Size is approximately 6” x 18”.
“Calm Seas” was influenced by a ride on the Cross Sound Ferry. I always check ‘sea conditions’ since the one time I boarded the ferry during ‘moderate sea conditions’ and the water became much rougher shortly after we departed the dock. Even though it was dark, I could see, and very much feel, the whitecaps. Now I only take the ferry when the seas are calm and I can relax for an hour and a half during the crossing. I love to look at the patterns created by the water and how it reflects the sunlight. It’s not always easy to capture the sensation of gently moving water, and how relaxing and meditative it can be. I think I was able to capture it in this piece.
View from ferry
Beginning of "Calm Seas" - underlaying colored pencil in composition
Colored pencil with first layers of watercolor
Close-up view with beginning of stitching
Working on the stitching...with a selection of potential colors of embroidery thread
Back of artwork - note the areas of embroidery and the areas where seed beads are sewn in place
Close-up of beading and some stitching
Calm Seas - Complete