I remember when I took art history in college for a few semesters it always stuck out how often we spoke to color palettes and pigments found within each piece. The extensive history of the paint colors we find so accessible today, meanwhile for centuries it was grueling and often a costly process to produce certain hues. When I was in Amsterdam this past week, I found myself thinking about this quote from Claude Monet while exploring the streets.
"When you go out to paint, try to forget what objects you have before you, a tree, a house, a field or whatever. Merely think here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow, and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact color and shape, until it gives your own naïve impression of the scene before you." Claude Monet
As I was taking photos throughout my trip, I found myself noticing patterns within the colors that were catching my attention. Knowing very well how commodified colors have become (i.e Pantone color of the year being a sad mocha mousse…), I just kept harping on the fact that the colors we love are already nestled within our surroundings. I love the combinations of colors that feel new and vibrant, as well as the ones that just feel soft and familiar that I kept finding myself drawn to within completely different days. I wanted to share my color findings within the week:
The top image does it perfectly. The soft blue doors paired back to the worn in button shaped door handles, clearly made worn from the many hands that have touched it and the weathered rainstorms, wind, and sunshine that give it so much character.
The cool tones in the mother of pearl button necklace feel novel on top of my warm brown suede coat. (Mother of pearl button necklace found at Haas Amsterdam)
The combo of this knit green and purple gradient mock neck top back to the orange leather jacket just felt like the perfect combination for the transition into spring. The range of greens in my ramen pair perfectly to the warm toned wood and silky yellow of the egg yolk.
I went a little overboard with my shopping so I had to buy this striped reusable bag from Hay Design. Love the almost candy colored pink back to the bold brown leather in the top image, or the brighter fuchsia paired back to the natural feeling beige basket in the bottom image, contrasted so well by the deep purple eggplants.
The top image was the lovely airbnb I had the pleasure of staying in during my time in Amsterdam. I loved the various shades of white creating a tonal landscape with the pops of color coming from the book filled shelves.
Tried on this incredible white cotton bomber jacket from Cos paired back to my (also new) army green trousers.
All the colors, textures in patterns within the interiors tell a story within its own. The aged wood paneling with the modern bright yellow lanterns, to the bright blue neon sign hanging above the bar create light within the monotonous browns. My morning hot chocolate (I’m not a coffee drinker if you’re curious), matched back to the bright yellow diner countertop and vintage plate feel warm and familiar.
I just loved the worn, washed leather the woman at the flea market was wearing next to the fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables being displayed.
The clean, black, freshly painted doors with the white lace vintage curtains evoke the perfect sense of old and new that feels so enticing. I don’t wear or buy black items for my home too often but the high contrast here feels special.
I always find myself drawn to the colors and textures of moss. I especially loved the way the green moss was growing through the cement ground of the backyard I sat in while journaling. The natural hues next to the bright synthetic red of my socks felt fresh and exciting (and with the washed blue of my jeans! I love it all).
Potentially controversial but for me, the chicest combo is a glass of white wine with a plate of a burger and fries. The pops of red throughout the image felt quite redundant but necessary for my solo dinner.
Ending with my favorite collage of images- the exciting nature of the range of colors we can find within the world. From the luscious yarn dyes to the produce that grow on farms, there is such an emphasis on how lively these feels. These images just evoke joy- and it’s easy to just assume the colors you come in contact with, but to take a moment and see the colors for what they are- especially when created by the earth, it’s honestly magic.
I love the practice of going on color walks- a mindfulness exercise where you can choose one color and identify how many things of that color you can find in your environment. You’ll find yourself noticing things you may not pick up on otherwise, especially with the constant noise that may be all around you. I love this practice as a form of meditation used to concentrate on your surroundings and promote mental awareness.
I created these collages to remind myself that the colors and color combinations that speak to me are already in and around me. They’re not necessarily on Pinterest or Instagram, but the objects, nature, foods, buildings and details just within your line of sight. I mean, what an incredible human experience! Especially with spring and summer approaching, I encourage you to be mindful of the colors around you that excite you!!! And it doesn’t have to be a trending color…. I promise!
Thank you all for being here and for reading, I have a few more posts lined up regarding my trip to Amsterdam (I just have so much to share with you all), but really wanted to share my spring color palette first. As always, leave a comment or dm me on instagram if you want to chat!!
-Izabela
Loved this! Thank you for the reminder, it is autumn at the moment in nz and i find it far easier to notice the colours this time of year!