cross stitch

Art for Sale: Picasso Portrait

Ever since I was a young girl, I was fascinated with Picasso. There is something inspiring about the child-like way he approaches the canvas. I have always kept in mind that the little girl inside me that always wanted to be an artist could find her way. Much of my life has been about writing and creating with the word, but 20 years ago my ex-mother-in-law taught me how to cross stitch while I was pregnant and unable to work. I started out with small kits and made English cottages the size of refrigerator magnets. One year, I was given a software program that allowed me to move away from the traditional country kitsch that is found in cross stitch to be able to do portraits and anything I can photograph.

Though I haven’t always agreed with the way Picasso treated women or the way he lived his life, I couldn’t help but do his portrait. His face is deeply interesting. This portrait captures some of the pain all artists feel in the endeavor to let their creativity out.

This piece is 6.25 inches by 5 inches and is matted locally by my favorite art and frame shop to fit an 8 x 10 frame. I spent about 120 hours on this piece and am asking $60.00 plus shipping (in the US only, international can be worked out). If interested, please contact me at aleathiadrehmer@gmail.com.

Art: Frida Kahlo


Much of what you have seen from me on this website has to do with writing which has been a huge part of my life since I was ten years old. Not long after that I developed a deep desire to be an artist, but I was not good with traditional mediums. This was discouraging to me and many times I gave up the dream to be able to show my work someday.

When I was pregnant with my kiddo, my mother-in-law taught me to cross stitch. It was what you would normally think of when cross stitch is mentioned. I was gifted a software program that allows me to stitch anything I want with intricate detail.

Our current isolation climate is helping me to finish projects that I started last year in hopes that when this isolation is lifted, I might be able to be a part of the local arts council member show at the end of the year. This portrait of Frida Kahlo is in good company with a nearly finished Pablo Picasso. I have also finished large portraits of Lou Reed and PJ Harvey.

Each of these takes roughly 160-180 hours of work. My hope is to be able to share these works and have them in people’s home. I’m a big fan of affordable art. What good does it do sitting in my attic? I’ll post again when it is finally finished so you can see the transformation.