"Red Kantha Stitch Chair"

("Red Kantha Stitch Chair ",  M.ELLIOTT)

i love how this painting turned out,
it's rich in color, and vibrates a playful undertone!
where did the inspiration come from?
(click here for a more photos of the earlier painting stages)
lately, i have been really intrigued with fabric
and pattern, espcially Nakshi Kantha quilts.

Nakshi Kantha quilts are a work of art themselves!  

These quilts have been made for centuries in India with thread 

and layers of old cloth, including their beautiful saris.

(talk about been ahead of their time in recycling!)  

The name for these quilts is given for the embroidered patterns

and designs; the Indian word "naksha" means artistic patterns.

"Kantha" refers to the main stitch, which traditionally was red, 

blue, or black.  Later additional colors, like yellow, green, 

and pink were also used. 

Makes me think of my own artistic "stitch" or "squiggly" line 

that continues through all my paintings! 

working color palette

notice the "kantha/squiggly line" in the upper left 

detail of pattern and more "kantha/squiggle" lines