When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall

This pair of autumn leaf pieces evolved over a period of years.

"When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall I
14"x28"-2005

"When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall II
14"x28"-2005

They began as one composition. However, the large square of leaves collaged with orts (British term for scraps) and a few silk leaves didn't work. It just looked like a mess of leaves with no focal point. Cutting it in half helped, bordering it with the same batik fabric that I had used as a background helped. I then painted one leaf within each piece a bright red to create focal points. They were better, but still not good enough to want to show off. It wasn't until a few years later when I was confident enough to apply paint and oil stick pastels that these pieces really worked.

Here you see one of the original red leaves.

My not giving up on these paid off. I was pleased to present each of them as gifts to friends in Wisconsin. One hangs in Milwaukee, the other in Glenbeula.

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