Thursday 12 August 2010

Vermeer

Jan (Johannes) Vermeer was a 17th century Dutch painter and is one of my favourite artists. Although he was not a prolific painter (it's thought he only painted about 35 works of art during his short lifetime), his ability to capture the effects of light and his attention to detail within each work is amazing.

Probably his most well known piece is 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' which is an awesome interpretation of youth, beauty and innocence.

I have made this project using the one of Vanmeer's painting's that ranks amongst those at the top of my fave list. This is called 'The Lacemaker' and depicts an industry which was flourishing at the time in the Delft area where Vanmeer lived. I love the concentration on the face of the lace girl as she uses her bobbins to make a border for maybe a tablecloth or pillow.

My piece measures about 6" square and is made from mountboard. I printed the image onto linen textured paper - I like this paper for the 'oil on canvas' effect it gives. I used K and Co 'Madeleine' backing paper and then added a variety of cotton lace from my stash, including a small crocheted coaster/doily which I think once belonged to my gran! The oversized needle must have come in a button pack at one time (don't know how long I've had it.....) and I know the two cotton 'spools' (probably from the same button pack) are not strictly to do with lacemaking but hope I'll be forgiven.
The rose lace in the top corner was cut from a wide strip and the addition of 2 buttons finish my small mixed media attempt!

and Play Date Cafe's Colour Challenge is green, beige and dark brown - and as one of my little 'spools' is dark brown I am entering this there too!

21 comments:

Jan said...

This is lovely Viv... all the little elements are quite beautiful and I love the composition. We visit Delft quite often and of course that was his home so there are a lot of Vermeer-related buildings as well as the museum.

PetraB said...

What a beautiful design with all the lovely details. I just love laces and anything crochet and it works so well with the mood and theme of the painting.

Meggymay said...

Its beautiful Viv, you have some gorgeous lace in your stash.

Maureen said...

Lovely Viv!!!

Lisa Somerville said...

Lovley piece, wonderful use of the lace and thread spools. Thanks for playing at the PDCC.

Elise said...

Well, somehow, I have NOT seen everything{Hee!} THIS IS AMAZING! Not only did your card, literally take my breath away...{!} But the mood set by the music and colors of your blog, gave me a momentary LIFT to a magical spot FAR in my past! It was like a riveting moment in ART HISTORY class, with better music and... I think I smelled fresh lavender!

BEAUTIFULLY done! I bow down to you, magical and crafty lady! I'm DELIGHTED that you've shared your talent and education with the PDCC!

Pauline said...

Beautiful creation, love all the lace and the muted tones, very lovely.

Jan Hennings said...

Beautiful...and I love all the lace!

Sarah said...

This is gorgeous and I have just seen the real thing! The bobbins and needle finnish it off perfectly. Sarah x

Unknown said...

Just lovely, Viv! Love all the vintage lace.. Thanks for playing with the Play Date Cafe!!

Suzanne C said...

Gorgeous image and love all the trim and bits along the side. Beautiful! Thanks for joining us at the PDCC!

Sherry said...

Now this is simply toooooooo beautiful Viv! I love the printing on the linen textured paper what a fab idea.

Anne Jagger said...

Wow!!!!

Julie Ranae said...

This is a beautiful offering for this week's challenge at The Play Date Cafe..thanks so much for sharing it with us : )

Lynn said...

This is beautiful Viv, love the composition, the needle in there too and the bobbins :)

Anne said...

Just stunning, love those little spools and the lace

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

OH WOW--I looooooooooove all the details and layers on this project! Love those spools--great job all around:) Thanks for playing along and joining in the fun at the PDCC:)

Jean Franks Beck said...

Wow, this is beautiful! What a lovely feeling you've achieved with your collage - as if the painting has come to life. Thanks for playing along at Gingersnap Creations!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning! Love the all the great sewing elements to go along with the beautiful image!

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Absolutely stunning!

Hugs
Maarit

Neet said...

Absolutely beautiful - love how you have used the lace to frame the picture.