This is a project in progress. I belong to a group of fiber artists in the Charlotte NC area, and we are all working on pieces for an exhibition based on orchids. I took this to the group last week, and asked for advice about the black background. I am dissatisfied with it. The general consensus was that the leaves quilted in the black background were distracting. I am considering ripping them out and quilting using black thread so I will get some texture, but no distracting color. I'd love to hear what others think!
This piece is 12 x 18". I painted the orchid on white fabric, then hand-appliqued it to the black background, then quilted it.
You can read more about my project and others on the Fiber Art Options blog, http://www.fiberartoptions.blogspot.com