The Bull- Artful Embroidery

The Bull marks the beginning of this creative series, inspired by the desire to capture a balance between realism and painterly expression. The original piece, a 40”x 40” artwork featuring over a million stitches, debuted at the first Artful Embroidery event in the studio. It immediately caught the eye of an attendee who requested a version for Anita—leading to the re-imagined design you see here.

To adapt the large-scale piece for a conventional hoop, the bull was divided into three sections—the head, the neck, and the horns—before being assembled into the majestic final image. Designed as an add-on to the Artful Embroidery series, the bull showcases the structured layering technique featured throughout the accompanying book. From stitching and trimming each section to mounting and framing the completed work, every step is covered so you can recreate this striking piece with confidence.

The bull commands attention—a monumental creation brought to life with over 100,000 stitches in lustrous threads. Layers of blue, steel, lavender, and caramel build dimension and depth, capturing both strength and elegance in its form. After days of painstaking embroidery, each detail is carefully hand-trimmed and mounted on clear acrylic, allowing the bull to rise in subtle relief against any background. For those eager to explore further, The Artful Embroidery book guides you through designing your own backdrops—whether on paper, fabric, vintage textiles, or mixed-media collage—so every piece becomes uniquely your own.

Best

Stephen Wilson