This episode should have been completed last week but I had problems with my sewing machine.  You get a hint of the kind of problems I was dealing with from the quality of stitches on the reverse side of my work especially the loopy stitches. So eventually, I halted the project till I could get the problems fixed.

I finally got to finish it this week after I’d taken care of my machine problems. Creating this piece reminded me of a design technique I haven’t used in quite a while. Upside Down Design Technique

I enjoy the sight of bridges, especially in big cities. In this work, my design concepts had to do with capturing the beauty of the skyline as it peaks through from under a bridge. The architecture of a bridge usually captivates me but whenever I take my eyes off the bridge for a moment, it’s the skyline under the bridge I see first. It’s as though the skyline is begging for attention and saying, “look at me too”. So, I decided, to take a look at the skyline under the bridge.   Front View I started with a heavily cropped drawing of a bridge with the skyline showing under. My daughter saw my sketch and thought it was upside down. Although she could see  I’d drawn a bridge, she thought it was a hanging bridge like The Golden Bridge.

When I did turn my design upside down it looked good indeed. Actually better than I’d originally planned to have it oriented. (Which means I’ve got to create another piece turned upside down). But that brought my mind to a design technique I haven’t used in a while. Reverse view

This design technique involves auditioning your design in different orientations. That’s to say turn your design upside down or in a different orientation. You’ll be surprised when you turn your design upside down, reflected or flipped how much more interesting it may look. Video I often use this design technique in my abstract pieces. Till now, it never ceases to amaze me how you can get some pretty neat designs by simply changing your orientation. With that in mind, I’m going to go back and create a similar piece but this time incorporating the design technique of turning my work upside down.

Tips, Tools & Techniques: Upside Down Design Technique

1. Explore different orientations for your mixed media or textile art design. Sometimes , just flipping or turning upside down a design will give it a stronger composition. Remember you’re the designer here and you get to decide how good a composition you work with. Next time, consider the upside down technique when you’re designing a new piece.

Questions: Do you use the upside-down design technique? What is your favorite design technique? Please share  below. Warmest Regards,   Watch and read about the entire Stitch The Sketch series. SaveSave