October 16, 2015

PATTERNS AND ART AROUND US ~ MALLORCA

Reflections in the water

I can’t resist snapping away when I see a pattern – whether it be an intended design or an accidental creation of nature. Pattern is everywhere in the mundane and the splendid, and everywhere I go I see it. We walk over it; we walk under it; it passes us by; it’s on our table or in our wardrobe. I see it on the beach; amongst the clouds; in a pool of water; or simply the reflection on a window. And as the sun moves and the rain pours, or frost bites, new patterns are continuously created. If we are imaginative enough some of these patterns around us can be used in design that can make a difference to our environment and the way we live. Of course when I was on the Balearic island of Mallorca recently I saw loads of patterns there too! And art and design was plentiful at every corner and sometimes when I least expected it. Take a look for yourself – mind you I can only share a little of what I saw as there was so much pattern and art that I just could not record it all! I can only hope that you see what I mean?

Roof tiles!

A balcony rug

Colour change of a building

Colourful tiling on the outside of a wall

Geometrics on a pier!

A colourful collection of hats for sale sit as a sculpture on the pavement

A canopy!

The canopy’s shadow!

A street light by day

Spot the drain pipe down the cathedral wall!

Sunlight and tree. Shadows and railings

More shadows!

A play with shadows

Natural form!

Manmade – glass in Palma, Mallorca

Behind a glass cupboard door in Portocolom

Natural discoloration on a wall

Even barbed wire in the sunlight takes on art!

Bark

Shutters

Powerful colour and shapes from the stained glass

An apartment block has less colourful form, but still striking all the same!

Pattern of a stairway

Manmade and nature – sculpture and pattern

Not intended to be a sculpture – but this practical form takes on art!

A tree creates its own natural pattern against the grey sky

A terrace curtain catching the wind!

Dramatic form in the harbour at Portocolom – a sculpture by Albert Rouiller (1938-2000)

Post boxes!

Sculptural forms in the sunlight – dancing patterns!

Almost marble-like milkshakes

Angular pattern – still under construction!

A take on blue and white stripes!

Toes and tiles – natural form and manmade!

Not a pattern but where design becomes an accidental sculpture – when someone places a single hat on one of its hooks!

It just goes to show that pattern, art, nature and everyday items are all one!

Diane x

June 18, 2015

BLOGLOVIN ~ JUST DISCOVERED

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<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14196959/?claim=gqj4nxamfyc”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

A slice of strawberry cake!

For those of you who don’t already know there is this great online site called Bloglovin’ that allows you to connect with many established and new places offering information relevant to your interests; there is something for everyone. You can connect through facebook or create an account. Good luck with it!

Diane x

May 7, 2015

PATTERN AT THE HARBOUR CAFE

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When the sun shines, a simply painted wooden table becomes so much more than just a painted wooden table.

The colour takes priority over the table itself.

And very quickly a whole new image is created and soon the table will no longer resemble a table.

I love colour, form, the unexpected and pattern. x

May 7, 2015

PATTERN AT THE HARBOUR

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COLOUR, SHAPE AND DESIGN EVERYWHERE AND NOT JUST IN THE INTENDED DESIGNS, EVEN THOUGH THE BOATS ARE VERY MUCH DESIGNED.

A weekend trip out to Mylor in Cornwall proved to offer a little more excitement than the drizzly weather. Armed with my camera I spotted some picture taking opportunities of designed pieces for which I could see some creative potential in my studio, but not for the same design purpose as that originally intended. Even on a dull day the sailing boat masts, coated in a water proof varnish, adopted a warm tangerine glow against the back drop of serene greys and soft blues. The varnish is used for practicality amongst the sailing fraternity, but having given up that pastime I now look at boats for the colours, shapes and patterns that are made by the structures and reflections. Back in my studio I then turn these into colourful and graphical patterns that reveal hidden designs found in industrial type structures.

The masts were balanced between two benches, left to dry in the spring air. They were precariously close to the water side, I guess making way for passing pedestrians, but creating a photo opportunity for happy snappers, like me.

Once home I began the design magic and straight away a simple colour adjustment adding stronger oranges and blues turned a dull picture into one reminiscent of beaches and sea. I just kept on experimenting creating patterns in a range of colours and imagery; some of which can be seen here:

And then I combined the latter two images. A graphical abstract print evolved with the impression of a setting sun.

The sun is disappearing into the sea creating a vibrant and bold landscape and a colourful, modern print. And it all began with a quick snapshot! x

May 3, 2015

PATTERNS IN THE SUN AT HOME

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This was a passing moment that happened one morning recently. I was routinely on my way to collecting the post from the front door when I was struck by the strong geometric shapes against the textured hall wall and metal lines of the radiator. These stunning forms were being created by the sunlight entering through the glass above the door and I could not resist snapping away.

In the most simplistic, monochrome form the patterns created are quite striking on their own merit. However I wanted to experiment with adding colour and spot colour to see what designs would evolve.

Here are a few:

So, from the simplest, almost everyday occurrence pattern can be created. It is with us where ever we are and what ever we are doing! x

April 28, 2015

PATTERNS AT THE ZOO

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A visit to the zoo is not just about seeing the animals, but also experiencing the smells, sounds and surroundings, and within these surroundings can be found an exciting assortment of patterns, shapes and colours. Everywhere I go I cannot help but photograph the patterns around us and in the living; the weird, the wonderful and the not so wonderful. I must admit I receive strange glances when I am photographing animal droppings, an iron grating, a slab of concrete or the kids ice creams rather than the kids themselves; even though you can never have too many pictures of the children! We had a family fun day out to the zoo a little while ago now and I could not resist snapping away at the colours, shapes and patterns. Oh, and do not worry, there are not too many pictures of animal doings!

I thought I would kick off with the girlie pinks and, maybe, ruffle your feathers a bit latter! Flamingos never fail to attract the girls, just look at the shades in this picture from the palest pastel to the richness of almost orange, and the Barbie pink feet that just seem to stay so clean. The delicate fluffiness of the feathers are inviting to the eye as well as to our senses of warmth and luxury; unlike the coat of the next creature…..

Reflective mood!

It may not be so cuddly and cute, but the pattern and colours of its skin are jaw dropping! (Sorry I could not resist it!) And the reflective colours and shapes in the water offer a near perfect symmetry.

Another cold-blooded creature that is also not quite so charming, even though you could say it is a charmer, has a naturally patterned skin that has attracted the attention of the fashion world for many years and has often been used by designer brands.

And with a little technical adjustment this slippery creature’s skin can be made to look very different….almost woven rather than scaly!

The slightly childish side of me could not resist sharing just one of those moments with you when you think you have a great family shot, but the elegant necked giraffe, gracefully gliding behind the smiley faces, has a less than graceful moment right at the time the shutter snaps.

And one daughter showed her surprise!