The other day, purely by accident, I came across the work of Charley Harper, which was entirely new to me. I always associate this clean, geometric style with 50’s design, and although this isn’t my favourite decade I love the stylised birds and animals that Harper does in typical 50’s style.
Charley Harper's highly stylised, geometric birds
These designs would translate perfectly to appliqué, pieced quilts and many other fabric arts, and in fact I think there are some needlework kits out there which are based on Harper’s work
Although I’m not interested in copying his work directly, I’ve begun a series of sketches of birds based on his pared-down, geometric style. I find it difficult to simplify these designs as much as he does, and have included a lot more in the way of pattern and detail than you’ll find on his birds.
Two drawings of birds done in a modified Charley Harper style
I think these will make interesting appliquees, and may be adaptable to quilt designs. I've finished digitising these two and will post pictures of the sitchouts next week
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