work in progress: 3 panel wallhanging

Months ago (many months ago) friends of mine bought one of my silk wall hangings. They brought it home and hung it up and realized it looked very tiny on their big wall. So, they commissioned me to paint a three panel piece. They have been patiently waiting and will be surprised to read that I have finally begun the process.

the original piece they bought and the inspiration behind the 3 panels

Working with 3 panels is a challenge. I want each panel to look good by itself but I need for all three to look cohesive when they are next to each other. It was really hard to get started this time. They like the original piece they bought but they want something a little different.

The beginning. Sketching out the ideas on paper.

Each panel sketch is about 11" x 17" (A3 size).
The panels will be much larger when it is painted.sketch of middle panel
I scan my sketch into the computer so I can play with color and composition more easily.
The painting will look more hand done than the image below.
(It looks really flat because of the computer.)

There is still lots of work to do but I am pleased with the direction I am moving in. Any thoughts? I could use some feedback. Do you think there are too many leaves?

After the design is approved I will enlarge it to actual size and then print it out. This will get placed behind the silk and used as a guide when I put the resist on. So, stay tuned for more...

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Years ago I worked on a three panel piece for friends Hillary and Krishna. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed seeing the smiles when we finally hung it. We worked together on colors so it would complement what they already had in the room.

At the time I was hanging silk from metal rods.
Currently I am stretching the silk on wooden frames.