A Miniature Landscape: Arizona Understated challenge

Small paintings are not unusual. But small landscape quilts are few and far between, posing many challenges! 

Today's miniature quilt was exhibited as part of a Regional Quilt challenge titled Arizona Understated by the SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates.) The participating artists were challenged to create a 12" x 16" quilt depicting a hidden treasure in Arizona. Brenda Smith captured the landscape with hand dyed fabrics that reflect the natural hues and textures of the sandstone cliffs.

Betatakin by Brenda Smith

Betatakin (meaning ledge house ) is a large cluster of well-preserved cliff dwellings thought to have been inhabited by the Anasazi during the latter 1200s. Springs fed into farmlands on the canyon floor, and homes were built in the natural sandstone alcoves. Betatakin is part of the Navajo National Monument.

Brenda Smith used a variety of fabrics and hues to depict the towering rock cliffs of this historic site. Brenda says, "As a contemporary art quilter, I am inspired by the natural world near my home in Northern Arizona. My work is related to nature and the southwestern landscapes through color, pattern, and design." We enjoyed these organic shapes, accentuated by smooth line quilting, done with matching thread colors.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 Arizona Quilters Guild show.