I stitched this cute mini stocking a long time ago. As originally painted it has no background - it is completely white. You can see the original canvas, titled Three Penguins (CHM 2911), at the Deux Amis Needlepoint website here:
http://deuxamisneedlepoint.com/main.php?g2_itemId=616
When I saw the canvas I immediately thought that the penguins were sliding down a hill. So I added the hill, the blue sky and the snow flakes.
Adding a foreground to a canvas can give it dimension and add interesting elements. I think in this case it also tells a story - about three little penguins having a great time in the ice and snow.
