Design help please

I can make myself see it both ways. But my initial reaction was from top left to bottom right. Perhaps it's the photo, but it seems there should be a bit more contrast between the two medium colors.

I think this type of design looks different to different people and also different to the same person at different times. Not much help I know. When you add that extra design element will it over-ride that perception or will the perspective issue still exist? Sometimes mentally fixing one plane on this type of design is all it takes to make (almost) everybody see it the same way.

Lizzy

Very nice John. My brain sees the design going from top left to bottom right. I can see the effect from top right to bottom left but I keep going back to top left to bottom right. In your blocks, to me, the hollow rectangles represent the inside of the stairway step. Could be just me, being left handed and all, so will see what others think Ann

I think the problem here is the use of just two colors. to make the "box" really pop out a third "shade" should have been introduced.

Its like looking at a painting, from what direction is the light coming . You have it coming from the bottom left.

Kate T. South Mississippi

I think that the color differentiation is lost in the process of shooting it with a cheap digital camera. There is a bit more in reality than appears in the photo. The whole idea was to make it a variation on reds. Subtlety being the overriding theme, before the introduction of the new element.

John

John

The element that will be introduced will be a continuation of the theme, but in a different plane. I am sorry I can not be more specific, because I want to keep it as a surprise, both from myself, and from everybody who will see it. It is not that earth shattering as a concept, but I think it will be interesting. If it looks like it won't work, I can eliminate it before completion, as I will finish the top and both sides before I complete the bottom. That will allow me to get the proper perspective on the whole concept. I tend to think it is able to be seen either way and, as you say, the introduction of the new element, will fix the vision forever for all to see. but I was unsure if this is correct. I guess I might just have to take the plunge based on my best guess and go for it. It is just a bother to have to undo all the work that would result in a wrong decision having been made. But, as they say,"That's Quilting".

John

There are actually three colors. One the dark maroon, another the the mottled red, the third being an orange red. I apologize for the 2 megapixle camera which doesn't do justice to the difference.

John

I thought perhaps the photo and/or my monitor might have lost the subtle shading somewhat. It appears that may be the case.

Our differences in perception might be emphasized by this "test". I can make her go both ways.

Oh....I should have read the blog before posting it. I guess this really doesn't test a left/right brain preference. But it's fun!

OMG. That is beautiful John!!! I love it! Probably not helpful, but I see it going from the top right to the bottom left.

I'm answering this without looking at the other answers, just so that it is an un-influenced reply!

When I read your question, I feared I would not see it as a flow at all (as I have an equal right/left brain!). However, when I did see the picture, I did a little bit of my usual lateral thinking: With the placement of the fabrics, the light is coming from the top left to the bottom right. So, the only 'flow' that I could see was the light. As that is definitely from top left, because of the position of the darkest fabric, that has to be my answer. . In message , John writes

Maybe my brain isn't as equal as I though - I could *only* see her spinning clockwise and simply couldn't get it to go the other way! . In message , KJ writes

I see blocks that 'face' lower right, in other words they flow from upper left to lower right for me.

Karen, Queen of Squishies ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~Don't push the river. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LOL... Just showed my DH the picture. He sees it the same way you do, I agree with your wife. Wonder if there is more at work here than left/right brain. Perhaps it really is a male/female thing??

Either way should work. It is your design. and wouldn't the "special effect" influence the way one looks at and sees the final result?

Good work, it is look> I have a problem that has cropped up on the quilt I am working on. My

Ann, I see it the same way and I'm also left handed! Don't know what that means.......

John, I think it all depends on where your intended light source is coming from that will determine where you place your next design elements.You need to determine if the darkest part is the back of the block (the light coming from behind) or if the back of the block is the opposing side (with the light closer to it).

I can see the blocks going in both directions.......and I don't think one is necessarily the right way. Can't wait to see the remaining elements!!!

Laurie G. in CA

I can blink hard and fast a few times and make her go the other way. But sometimes she shifts right back! It's a fun site.

John, at first i saw the pattern as you did. the maroon was dominant. but after squinting a bit, i could see the block pattern. since this is an optical illusion anyway, go with your original plan. i'm sure once that's in place, whatever it is, the quilt will "flow" your way. it really is great. that pattern seems time consuming.

amy in CNY