INSPIRATION in the most unexpected places…
There's a unique joy in discovering inspiration in the everyday. I’ve found that some of my favorite color palettes are born not from grand museums or meticulously curated design boards, but from the small, common objects that surround us—like this mug my kids brought back to me from Puerto Vallarta.
Every time I open the cupboard and see it sitting there I realize it is creatively “talking to me.” The colors are so vibrant & uniquely combined. So I finally decided to do something about it and set it out on my drawing table to paint.
The pink had to be carefully mixed to capture that warm peachy tone. I loved painting it up against the lime greens and burnt sienna. Oh – and that lovely turquoise, just around the side of the mug… I don’t know about you, but I can get so stuck in my same “go-to” color palettes. How refreshing and fun to be challenged with something a little different and new.
As I became more familiar and played around with these vibrant colors, I used my new palette in different ways… A decorated letter in the title, a casual doodle - little Ms. Lilliput or a mini abstract painting. It was relaxing and so much fun exploring and letting the colors guide my hands without overthinking.
Now, I know, sadly I will never meet the talented Mexican artisan who artfully designed this mug, but I can be inspired by his/her creation and “play it forward” with my own art. Every object we love has the potential to be more than just an object. It can be a muse.
May I challenge you to have fun and explore the objects around you?
Find your muse and incorporate this same process. You don’t have to even draw the object. Just use your brush to swish out the colors so you can remember the palette. Who knows where you might find your next favorite designs and color combinations! That mug, book cover or scarf sitting right next to you might just hold your next burst of inspiration.
Happy muse-hunting everyone!
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