Falling for patterns

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery

I have long wanted to be a surface pattern designer. A decade ago I studied this, soaking up the minimalist patterns of Orla Kiely, Marimekko, and Japanese textiles.

When I see a pattern that I adore, I capture it to imitate it later. This is one of the things I teach in my creativity workshops. I love finding ephemera to put into my sketchbook. But before I just glue it in, I study it. What about it appeals to me? What palette, shapes and design do I like? I then try to imitate it. To choose the colors and see how much further the artist went than I would.

This wallpaper at a Paris crepe restaurant seized my heart. See how dense it is? See the limited palette - two oranges, one yellow, green? See how the shapes create a sense of movement and flow?

And look at how my friend’s scarf matches the color EXACTLY! Plus the green of the wainscoting.

And then here’s my depiction of it. One of the things I am exploring is being loose and letting the paint move. To not depict but to suggest. I love the vibrancy of it.

Peach pattern, loosely

My critical mind tried to get in here. What ARE those? Peaches? Apples? Oranges? I had to gently remind it that I am not trying to depict, but to suggest. I am playing with different shades using different saturations of watercolor. It doesn’t matter what it is. The feeling of these pieces matter. I feel such richness and abundance when I look at this. I LOVE seeing this piece hanging on my wall.

What does this spark in you? Do you fall in love with patterns and try to imitate them and their palette?

Let’s be artists in Paris together

Do you recognize my friend and art ally Koosje Koene in this photo? You, too, can be an artist with us in Paris!

Registration is open for Paris Sketchbook in September. Along with Paris artist Marcus McAllister, we will use inspiration from our days in Paris to fill our sketchbooks. Oh so fun.

All the details are here.