• PLEASE NOTE that the EXERCISES in this 5-DAY CLASS are NOT THE SAME as those in PART I of IMPROVISATIONAL EXERCISES.

A sewing machine and lots of fabric will be used in this fast-paced and intense workshop designed for students who no longer need “hand-holding” and who are desirous of being far more experimental using machine-piecing techniques. Students will be expected to work spontaneously and intuitively with nontraditional quilt making techniques as they explore design exercises that promote improvisational approaches to composition without benefit of “pre-planning” and “intellectualizing.” Emphasis will be on the continuation of a stronger understanding of figure/ground composition and freeing up.

• Students will concentrate on three distinct compositions during this 5-day class:

1. The first will be done in black and white.

2. The second one will be done in a full range of neutrals including white, off-white, very light grey, light grey, medium light grey, medium grey, medium dark grey, dark grey and various shades of black. This exercise in composition will target the absolute importance of value in defining visual planes of depth.

3. The third one will be done in a full range of colors, as many as possible, in as many values as possible. Only solid colors will be used in this class. Color and the values of color, from light to dark, will be emphasized so a great selection of fabrics must be brought to this workshop.

At the end of this workshop, students will have completed three compositions in which they have learned a far wider use of value and color and very important technical construction techniques. As always, students will learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” so come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!

PLEASE concentrate on bringing 5 value ranges in neutrals and in other solid colors. You must have these 5 value ranges in all of the grays and all of the browns. Those values are: LIGHT, MEDIUM LIGHT, MEDIUM, MEDIUM DARK, DARK.

Students will learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” so come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!

PRESENTATION

Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a digital presentation/laptop or 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. The Ranch  provides use of a digital projector connected to a laptop.

***Students are required to register for Part 1 and Part II