Pretty Impressive Impressionistic Mats

The second workshop in Edmonton was called "Hooking in an Impressionistic Style". Each student was asked to choose a painting - in the public domain or with permission - that they would interpret in wool.

Van Gogh was a popular choice. Lawren Harris was interpreted in a fun and youthful way. A new-to-me Canadian artist's painting was exquisite, both in the original and in the mat version. A colourful cat painting by another artist I didn't know before came to life.

Some of the most fun works in the class were those from far less recognized artists - with a more personal connection.

Two sister students did paintings that had been painted by one of them.  Two other people brought "grand" art - created by their grandchildren. And two more brought paintings that had a personal connection in their lives. One was a family homestead painted by a relative. The other was a friend's colourful painting of a horse - again, perfect for this class.

As with the first workshop, this class ranged in experience from rookie to expert. And many of the previous class were in this one too - 9 out of 13. That made it nice for me, since I got to spend even more time getting to know them.

So enough chatter. Here are the ones that are finished (or nearly). The rest will be posted as I receive them.

Artist: Ken Gillespie (with permission) 

(A little note re this painting. Because the student was travelling in Europe with spotty wifi, I contacted the artist on her behalf. He was so thrilled to be asked and enthusiastically said yes. He said he is sick and tired of seeing his images on everything from paper napkins to playing cards. It was a pleasant change for him to even be approached.)

Here is a Van Gogh well under way. Can't wait to see it done. It's amazing when you look at the images on line of these famous works - the colour range is unbelievable.

This feline got a new background and foreground, but still retained its 'catitiude'.

Another Van Gogh, done by the newest hooker in the class. She was so excited to get it done - with 5 minutes to spare on the last day. She definitely captured the directional hooking of the brush strokes.

Here is Chagall's "Cow with Parasol", as interpreted by 5-year old Theo, and then hooked by his very proud grandmother.

The other budding artist, Josephine's original and her grandmother's hooked rendering. A very accomplished knitter, Arlene is relatively new to rug hooking, but you sure can't tell.

A horse of a different colour - quite a few, actually, as the original painting and as the mat. Cathy's first passion is quilting, but she sure did a great job on this mat.

Two more pieces that were well under way by the end of class. These pictures were both painted by Louise.  She and her sister Laurie were two of the students who did multiple mats in the first class. So they went much larger this time and the pieces are going to be stunning. Lots of talent in that family. Here is Louise's lobster.

And Laurie's very handsome and regal raven.

(The little blue patch (I think it is a cat) in the bottom of Laurie's mat is what happens when you leave the room - someone hooks something into your open space. Kind of like being "hook bombed".)

As you can see, it was an incredibly talented group. It was the first time I taught this class and it will be at the top of my list for years to come. So much variety and inspiration from the artists long dead and very much alive.

I will share the rest as they hit my desktop.