The Exemplary 2026
3rd Place, Non-Professional Original

Tropquail is an original canvaswork piece that I designed myself. The idea developed while I was studying bird images—especially quails—and exploring ways to simplify natural forms using a more geometric approach. The tropical setting was inspired by my home country, Brazil, with colors and plant elements reflecting that environment.

The color palette is built primarily around red-orange and blue-green complementary colors. Yellow-green and yellow were added to create balance and smoother transitions between areas. The orange used in the feet and beak helps these small details stand out against the surrounding green and warm background tones.

The design is divided into distinct areas to create a sense of depth. Darker green leaves are intended to appear closer to the viewer and were stitched with heavier stitches and darker shades, using perle thread to add texture. Lighter green leaves were worked with smaller stitches and brighter colors to suggest distance. In the sky, the colors transition from darker tones near the leaves to lighter peach and salmon shades toward the top. Around the sun, yellow and orange were introduced to create a warm, glowing effect. The sun itself is an appliqué element stitched in Tent Stitch, combining cotton and metallic thread for a soft shine.

The quail is the central focus of the piece. A variety of stitches and thread types were used to create contrast between soft and smooth surfaces. Fuller stitches and multiple threads were applied in the body and wings to suggest a fluffy texture, while the belly was kept smoother. Directional stitches in the tail help define its shape. Decorative stitches, beads, and mixed materials appear throughout the flowers, leaves, and fruits, adding visual interest and tactile variety.

This piece was created as a learning project, allowing me to experiment with color blending, stitch selection, texture, and materials. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of how these elements interact within a canvaswork composition. Tropquail reflects both my personal creative style and my ongoing growth as a canvaswork artist.