Blue Umbrella

This post falls squarely under the theme of appreciating small pieces of beauty in the everyday, such as a patterned umbrella.  Somehow, rainy days aren't so dreary when this cheery pattern is over head.  What I like about the graphic flower pattern that is so obvious yet subtle that you don't see it right away.  And the colors work perfectly together; complementary blues, greens, pinks and yellows.  I'm almost disappointed that the sun has been shining all afternoon!

Speaking of graphic flower patterns, in my humble opinion no one does it better than Orla Kiely.  I discovered her patterns adorning handbags that were way out of my budget but absolutely obsession-worthy. The vivid simplicity stirs up some childhood primary color emotions for me.  I just love every bit of them. The flower pattern has been a theme in my own artwork many times and I'm sure it will appear in future posts here. In fact, I feel inspired already... - l.o.d.