POS - developing marks

 we ar enow moving on to a more exploratory stage - exploring the patterns on images or fabrics and developing marks which respond to them: echoing, reflecting, highlighting what is there, to add an enhancing layer of stitch to the surface

preparing for this exercise drew my attention to the way i already do this: winter keys, earthborne,skybound - which may be why i have taken to this so readily

for my first attempt i picked a photo from the course booklet, with strong, directional, linear marks - maybe a bit easy in some ways as the shapes really suggested ways of stitching

i machine applied the first layer, using cable stitch and couching - experimenting with application of a thick yarn from the reverse (green) and the front (brown with cut ends)  

the next layer is different weights of embroidery threads, some single and some multi-stranded. mostly using straight stitch, with some single extended chain stitches - i have not always stitched over existing marks, chosing to add more as stitched marks

the next image i've chosen will need more thought:

i find this a more complex and subtle image with delicate variations in shading and contrasting textures - trickier to reflect - more challenging