Year Long Study

Beginning the study, working outside

I have decided to dedicate the year leading up to my 60th birthday to studio work. Each day a sketch and five inch square design will be worked up in techniques I want to explore. The series began ahead of time on October 18th with a plein air landscape outside of the studio.

This does not mean I won’t teach and travel, but right now there is a long stretch of time off the road and a routine was necessary. The short term goal is a sketch for each day. Several larger works have evolved from these exercises already. It has been a productive and meditative time.

Lori LaBerge’s Plein Air Hooking Artists concept helped formulate the process. Although I am religiously sketching my subject into a journal, and working from the image for color and values, most of the subjects are also photographed as documentation. I am also documenting changes made anticipating compiling a text to accompany an exhibit.

So far skills from a wire jewelry workshop have been incorporated into several pieces; acrylic paints; quilting; embroidery; and coiling have augmented traditional rug hooking.Monthly there will be a progress report showing the seasonal palette; design evolution; and techniques explored. Below is a gallery of some early subjects and works.

: South View 10-18

: South view 10-18

: Birds feeding 10-19

: Matt’s Wild Cherries

: 10-20 Value and Shapes

: Log Pile

: 10-29 Logs

: EE Cummings in Mrs. Bowen’s English Class

6 thoughts on “Year Long Study”

vermontvioletjane December 1, 2013 at 3:17 pm

How Inspiring! You and I are the same age. A decade ago for my 50th year I treated myself to a rug-hooking workshop in Virginia and re-united with a childhood friend who lived in the area. Now I’m inspired to do something equally – or more! – challenging for the 60th birthday. I like the idea of a daily task dedicated to creative work.
Your gallery is beautiful, and as inspiring as your words.

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Susan Feller Post authorDecember 1, 2013 at 3:42 pm

Welcome to a great year! I heard there is a Korean belief that you are “born” at 60. Wanted to get my baggage organized and ready. It felt time to encourage me as an artist, I have seen many others grow from the encouragement. Celebrate your creative spirit.

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susi December 1, 2013 at 7:29 pm

Love it!!! Wish I was that disciplined!!! Hope you have a terrificly (word??) creative year!!

susi seyller chesapeake va

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Susan Feller Post authorDecember 1, 2013 at 7:31 pm

Do not judge yourself on my attempts, you are creative too. I finally found the drive and time.

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