Work in Progress: Starry Night

Today is the 159th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh’s birthday. Happy birthday Vincent! The words to Don McLean’s hit song Vincent has been swirling around in my head for several days now and, unlike other times when I’ve found it annoying to have a tune linger this long, I’m enjoying its calming effect.

Postmark’d Art currently has a group making and trading postcards inspired by van Gogh and I’m part of that particular group.  At first I thought I would use one of his sunflower paintings as inspiration but when Janet Hartje sent her postcard with sunflowers I knew I’d jump on my second choice — that wonderful swirly night sky.  And (drum roll) this is another opportunity to use my needlefelting machine. I say it’s Kismet!

Focusing on the top right corner of the sky — it has plenty of drama — I’m using a piece of black batting as my surface to needle wool roving into. I covered the first layer of roving with a very fine netting that has flecks of sparkle on it. Most of it has been removed here.

Hum along with me and stay tuned.

Starry, starry night.

Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,

Swirling clouds in violet haze,

Reflect in Vincent’s eyes of china blue.

Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,

Weathered faces lined in pain,

Are soothed beneath the artist’s loving hand.