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Artist’s Embroidered Portraits Use Thread Like Strokes of Inky Illustrations

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Argentinian embroidery artist Sol Kesseler creates detailed portraits with colorful thread and impressive needle work. Kesseler uses a variety of techniques that work together to create a distinctive style. Often starting from pencil drawings—which are impressive in their own right—Kesseler uses fine black thread to establish outlines, leaving much of the white fabric exposed to create high contrast portraits. She then adds textured details with colored threads and a variety of stitches.

Cross-hatched thread lines create the illusion of hand-drawn shading, while heavier yarns are used to create chunky textures. Kesseler incorporates thicker, more elaborate embroidery stitches to mimic wooly facial hair, cozy knitwear, colorful florals, and mountainous landscapes. Sometimes beads are even added as pretty details that achieve even more depth of color.

Kesseler holds embroidery workshops in her studio in Argentina, where you can learn to create your own textile art. You can also purchase Kesseler’s crafty creations on her website.

Embroidery artist Sol Kesseler creates detailed thread portraits that look hand-drawn.

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

She uses fine, black thread to establish outlines and sketch-like details.

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Elaborate stitches are used to add texture to clothing, facial hair, and backgrounds.

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Bugambilo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
h/t: [Brown Paper Bag]

All images via Bugambilo.

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Colorful Embroidery Breathes New Life into Portraits of Cultural Icons

Everything You Need to Start Stitching Your Own Embroidery

Ethereal Embroidery Designs Stitched into Tulle Look Like They’re Floating in Mid-Air

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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