Making Patterns! Now What?

The painting, NY13#18 that the above pattern is based on.

I've been trying to figure out how to make patterns with my paintings so that the patterns can be sold or licensed. I've begun tackling the first bear, making the patterns. The above pattern is based on NY13#18. I used this tutorial to get me started - http://bit.ly/KffFrp  Still playing & figuring things out. Look below for more patterns!

As far as selling or licensing patterns, that's the next hungry, gristly bear to sort out. Any one got any advice? Surface design is what this pattern making can be called. And I'm open to putting these patterns on just about anything. But I really see them working with clothing & other textiles. I have several dream designers I've mentioned before that I would love to collaborate with; DVF & Proenza Schouler. Imagine them as woven rugs or tapestries. What? My head is exploding...

The next 2 patterns are based on NY13#25

The next 2 patterns are based on NY13#26

I want the details of the painting bigger, so I'll be working on that next. Also, want to make them less band-like & use more than 1 painting in a pattern.

Fabric...make my eye hurt

these 2 photos are of 8" x 8" swatches of all my fabrics on Spoonflower. i recently added 5 more patterns. the top row of 6 are recent swatch purchases in linen canvas. the colors really POP in that fabric.

i ordered 1 yard of NY1215 in the cotton voile intending to use it as a scarf. below is the original painting:

and here's me wearing the cotton voile scarf. i washed it several times adding extra vinegar to the loads to help soften the fabric. the colors aren't as strong in the cotton voile, plus my extra washes helped to fade it and get a nice fray to the edge. the mirror repeat pattern was used for this design.

i really love and can't believe how easy it is to transform a painting into fabric. but i'd really like to see these fabrics combined and fucked with a little to really create and interesting piece of clothing or random textile. make it into a sofa cover - great!

below are some quick ideas i came up with, only combining my recent 5 fabrics. each one represents 2 yards of fabric. i just sliced them on the bias and starting matching things up. i know there are many other mash-up possibilities - why limit yourself to combining only 2 fabrics?!

look, i know these ideas are a bit eye numbing and hard to look at, but i also know there's a fantastic dress or jacket to be made in there somewhere. come on Proenza Schouler & DVF!

Painting into Textiles

L. ny12#01 - mixed media on paper, 5" x 7"
R. rendering of 2 yards of fabric based on the painting ny12#01 via Spoonflower.com using the layout option "mirror repeat".

my patterns on Spoonflower

for several years many people have mentioned that my paintings would look great as textile designs. i didn't get it and actually still don't. i don't see how my earlier paintings could be translated into to patterns, but with my more recent work that is driven by geometric and mostly angular patterns, i get it.

a 'friend' on facebook mentioned Spoonflower as an easy way to make fabric and it wasn't until recently that i checked it out. holy fuck, they make it easier than i ever thought was possible! plus they have organic fabric, clean printing practices and tools that help you create patterns. just upload a hi res photo and add a pattern effect. BAM, DONE. this makes me very happy.

L. ny12#01 - mixed media on paper, 5" x 7"R. rendering of 2 yards of fabric based on the painting ny12#01 via Spoonflower.com using the layout option "half drop".

L. ny12#03 - mixed media on paper, 5" x 7"R. rendering of 2 yards of fabric based on the painting ny12#01 via Spoonflower.com using the layout option "half  brick".  

L. ny12#03 - mixed media on paper, 5" x 7"R. rendering of 2 yards of fabric based on the painting ny12#01 via Spoonflower.com using the layout option "mirror repeat".  

L. ny12#04 - mixed media on paper, 7" x 5"R. rendering of 2 yards of fabric based on the painting ny12#04 via Spoonflower.com using the layout option "half brick".  

L. ny12#04 - mixed media on paper, 7" x 5"R. rendering of 2 yards of fabric based on the painting ny12#04 via Spoonflower.com using the layout option "mirror repeat".