It is mind-blowing the color palettes you’ll find in nature.
Think that’s a daring combo in the fabric you just found? Go outside and I bet you’ll see something even more fearless.
I regularly hike the hills surrounding our local reservoir, with camera (or at least iPhone) in my pack. (Okay and some pepper spray in case the local coyotes get too friendly.)
A bird nerd like Dad was, I’m always snapping photos of the pelicans, ducks, vibrant bluebirds, and that great blue heron’s luminous plumage (he’s still convinced he is hiding from me in the cattails).
The birds never disappoint, but I only have to glance down for fantastic color play.
My walk the other day is case in point. The rains have painted our hillsides with wildflowers, seemingly overnight becoming Monet-worthy canvases.
Masses of yellow mustards, elegant purple lupines and shamelessly bold-orange California Poppies…all against a backdrop of lush leafy grass that goes on and on. A great lesson in proportion too, as the sea of green becomes a neutral backdrop for the peppering of brights.
And EVEN Patterns. Yup, keep your eyes peeled for fantastic patterns to jumpstart designs.
I audibly gasped when I spotted these wildflower stripes…not sure if this photo does it justice but stroked all across the hillside below me were clear, natural stripes of hue.
Let’s see, that’s inspiration for color palettes and patterns. Oh, and one more tiny thing…life.
Seriously, a hike can be a moving meditation where your subconscious can get to work. Solutions to even difficult problems have come to me during simple strolls in the out-of-doors.
So next time you need a fresh palette, a fresh look at life and of course some fresh air…take a walk.
