Decision Portraits: New Christian

(Click on image to enlarge).
Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin with sheer chiffon. Free motion machine embroidery with hand stitching and beading. 25 1/2" x 19 3/4". Stitched words: Born 1947. Born Again 2008. Title: New Christian.)

This is the newest piece in my "Decision Portraits" series. I am thrilled the way it turned out. It is the first one on which I added more than stitches. I was worried that the chiffon crosses would take attention away from the person and the words, but I really like how well this turned out.

The wonderful lady in this portrait is none other than Veleta, also known as Sammy! I am privileged to share her recent baptism as an example of an important decision. I am even more honored to call her my friend and to have some of her incredible beadwork headed to the CYBER FYBER exhibition next January.

Sammy sent me the photo....so, if anyone is wondering how I might use their image for another portrait....don't worry! If you are considering it, a high-resolution image is all you need. Sammy's original photo had another person and lots of background in it. I used PhotoShop to wonderfully isolated the perfect picture!