“Understanding Values in Primitive Rugs” Workshop

Description: In most cases, value and color are the design elements used to define motifs found in primitive rugs. This class will focus on “value”. Contrast in values focuses attention to each motif in the pattern and draws one into the details, including backgrounds. Additionally, those motifs often need to have differing levels of importance in the overall design. The focus of this class will be understanding how to create value contrast in primitive designs and its appropriate placement within motifs on a primitive rug design.  

This class will create a small sampler piece with the visual reference of how different value contrasts can be obtained and an understanding of when to use each in primitive rug designs. Several others will be presented during class and in the class reference guide book, which will showcase those examples. Students will take away a full-color reference guide book for future rugs, including all of those hooked in class and discussed.  

Students will work on their 12.5” square sampler pattern, hand drawn on Dorr primitive linen, using cut sizes #8, 8.5 & 9 in a blue color palette.