First Place

Coyote Concerto is the second design that I have adapted from the work of artist Eleanor Grosch. Eleanor’s abstract interpretations of wildlife remind one of Charley Harper’s unique style but she is a graphic artist and an illustrator who adds printed patterns to some of her designs, so she was very enthusiastic when I asked if I could add fancy borders and backgrounds to my adaptations of her charming animals.

The coyote print has wonderful flowing lines and soft curves and this “howling in the moonlight” pose is the most popular way to depict this nocturnal hunter. It was fun to create my version of an appropriate moonlit landscape for this wily creature and a charted back stitch outline was used to set up the precise dimensions of the moon and the coyote figure.

I chose the antique blue canvas for this design because it was appropriate for an evening landscape. The composite patterns used for the sky and the border panels are both open and the dark ground makes them even more dramatic. The two arrangements actually have the same Step 1 main framework, but the details are different and the background pattern is only visible at close viewing distance (appropriate for a midnight sky).

The main focal point of the design is the dramatic full moon that showcases the coyote. The four-way Hot Wheel pattern used in this area forms small circles that reinforce the moon shape. This white framework is combined with some silver and gray highlights to suggest some of the shadows on the moon’s surface, but my version is more symmetrical than Eleanor’s more random shading.

The remaining elements are close to the print details in color but the stitch treatments provide additional textures that enhance the coyote further. Two of the body patterns have Fuzzy Effect details and the ground under the coyote is a one-way laidwork pattern in a yellow-gold Sparkle Rays with staggered Cross stitch tiedowns in Splendor.

The finishing touch is the navy Ultrasuede® kerchief which is a detached appliqué. I gave it a bit more dimension by creating a “fake knot” at the neck to suggest that it was really tied. Needless to say, I am thrilled to have found another artist who depicts animals in such a unique abstract style and I look forward to doing more canvas adaptations from Eleanor’s appealing work.