Sketchbook 2012: Day/Night Quilt

Day/Night Quilt sketch, ink on paper, 2012 by Sarah Atlee

I had so much fun with my Millennium Quilt series that I raced right into this quilt concept for a friend's impending baby.

mely's quilt beginning cropped

I began cutting and piecing not long after finishing the sketch, though it was almost another year before I completed the quilt proper.

At one point, I was so enamored with the finished sections of the quilt that I decided to turn one of them back into 2-dimensional art. I'll post pictures of that piece next week.

Here are pictures of the near-completed quilt in my studio (I just love the morning light in here):

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Day/Night Quilt, detail view in the studio, 2013 by Sarah Atlee

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Day/Night Quilt, detail view in the studio, 2013 by Sarah Atlee

Update: See the portion of this quilt that became a painting.

Sketchbook 2012: Millennium Quilt Series

I do some of my best drawing while my mother is in the hospital.

Millennium Quilt I, ink on paper, 2012 by Sarah Atlee

Yes, these are a tad late for the calendar millennium. I named these after Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. I've listened to the audio editions of these books many times.

Millennium Quilt II, ink on paper, 2012 by Sarah Atlee

Filling grids with color is a gratifying way to pass the time, but I consider these patterns for potential real-life quilts. The notes at the bottom of this sketch indicate how many pieces of each color I would need.

Millennium Quilt III, ink on paper, 2012 by Sarah Atlee

Artsy Shark Interview - Welcome, New Readers!

Go There Got Here, ink and colored pencil on Stonehenge paper, 6.5 x 6.5 inches, 2012 by Sarah Atlee

I am thrilled to be featured on Carolyn Edlund's Artsy Shark blog. Click here to read the interview and learn more about my process and techniques.

Did you arrive here from Artsy Shark?

Welcome! I'm so happy you're visiting my website. I recommend you browse the Images section.

I bet you'll find something you like here on the blog, too. How about a few tags to get you started: language, creativity, tools, sketchbook.

My most-read post explains how to make an acrylic gel transfer.

Last but not least, I would be honored to have you as a subscriber to my quarterly newsletter. I'll keep you up-to-date on exhibitions, news, and new website content. The signup form is just to the right.

Thanks for visiting!

The Jennifer Rooms is on the Web

Kristy's Great Idea, acrylic on canvas, 10 x 10 inches, 2014 by Sarah Atlee

My latest series of abstract paintings, The Jennifer Rooms, is now virtually open for your virtual viewing pleasure. Please thank Jason Ormand for helping to display them so nicely.

Jennifer: the most popular girl’s name in the United States between the years of 1970-1984.

Room: the amount of space required; the people who are present; a distinct interior; opportunity; scope; forum; dwelling space.

And yes, Kristy's Great Idea is the title of the inaugural volume in The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin.

Sketchbook 2013: Grids

Three selections on the Grid theme from my 2013 sketchbook.  

Sketchbook cover, mixed media and found paper collage

Polka Dot Grid, ink on paper

Photo collage, one-inch photo cutouts and found objects

This last one is a product of a photo reference purge in my Oklahoma City studio. I chose my favorite photos, then chose my favorite square inch from each of those.

Expect more sketchbook selections here on the Blog, and later, up in the Images section of the site.