To Couch or Not to Couch

Indigo and tannin dyed sisal, am contemplating couching some to the surface of Bjorkboda.

Definately not as one mass but more like bits and pieces, more like the stand of cottonwoods at the marsh bent, broken, and leaning.

And maybe a little knotted, like the vines that creep over the cottonwood trunks.

WIP - Bjorkboda

I'm almost ready for the hand stitching, I filled in a bit more of the piece with machine stitching to reinforce it's structure.

The forgotten dye note text now dealt with which resulted in more brown scraggly stitching being added to the piece in a random manner. 

Some verticles.

I've started thinking about the cottonwoods and how stoic they look when shrouded in the ice fog of deep winter. 

Bjorkboda Marsh

Went out to the marsh this afternoon for a much needed infusion of inspiration!!!

Now to spend some time in the studio this evening working with a fresh mind!

WIP - Bjorkboda

On my sewing table so that the stitching will pop.

More Details

The puffy areas will be stitched down in other colors.

Cottonwood Stand

A beginning sketch on cotton fabric, more pen and ink and then some stitching and then maybe I'll rust and compost it for some additional color.

My favorite Sycamore Tree.

Stand of Cottonwood Trees at Bjorkboda Marsh

River Birch Stand

Stand of river birch that have died long ago, the basis for a new painting that is O'Keefe inspired.