Autumn Trees by Jennifer Riefenberg

As a painter, one of the techniques used by many artists is the concept of an underpainting. This technique essentially lays down a value study, often in a monochrome palette prior to painting over the top. Using this method, the underpainting color comes through to the final painting and provides undertones and unity to a piece. I wanted to create the same effect using needle and thread. The piece was first stitched using a complementary color scheme and then re-stitched, over the top of the first layer, using the final colors that I wanted as dominant in the design. The top-layer of stitches were chosen, and using light thread coverage, the re-stitching allows the “underpainting” to telegraph through the final piece. I am pleased with the result but admit that I don’t think the technique will become too popular as most of us don’t want to stitch something twice.