Color in Films – The Lovely Bones

20 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration

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A story written by Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones is a tale of heartbreak, reality, family and love. Director Peter Jackson created an amazing film that captured the true essence of the original novel. An expert on fantasy, he enables the viewer to really get inside the characters to understand how they feel and why. We can only imagine what it would be like to lose a child and this film opens the doors to that realm of not knowing.

With extraordinary cinematography, The Lovely Bones plays with saturated colors as well as pale, muted tones. This helps differentiate the real world and its sadness and the personal Heaven where Susie is looking down from. As her family tries to figure out who murdered her, you are taken to extreme levels of emotion that roller coasters its way through your heart and soul. Get the tissue box handy, sit back and be prepared to be amazed.

Architectural Love

19 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, The Home

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architecture, cape cod, colonial, cottage, design, home, houses, mid century, mod, victorian

Houses come in many styles, sizes and colors. I have always loved the art of architecture, especially the mechanical drawings that were needed for the final result. There is just something about how an object is built that gets me excited. To see a house come alive and be turned into a home is such a cool thing as well.

I have learned about many styles of architecture in art school but there are some that stand out among the rest. Colonial is my ultimate favorite. With its simple ideas and symmetrical design, colonial style feels like home to me. I guess I love that back in the day feel even though it was way before my time. The materials used are also of interest as well as certain ways they dressed up the homes.

Then there is Victorian, Cottage and Arts and Crafts style, which are all on top of my list as well. Mid Century design is a major love. Streamlined and functional with a mod feel sounds great to me. There are just so many awesome styles to choose from!

Check out my Pinterest board for more architectural beauties!

Art Inspired Palette – Norma Andreu

16 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art Inspired Palette, Awesome Shops, Color Inspiration

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cara carmina, collage, neutrals, norma andreu, painting, photography, sewing, textiles

Canadian artist, Norma Andreu, has a unique sensibility towards her work. Originally from Mexico City, you can clearly see the influence of her birthplace. She paints, illustrates and creates most of her work by hand. I originally fell in love with her dolls and then came to really appreciate her collage work as well.

Norma’s little cloth dolls are made with a combination of hand stitching and her sewing machine. They are all unique in that there is no pattern or stencil she works from. It’s all free motion stitching and the end result is a truly special gift. These little characters she creates take you away to a world where free spirit rules and distant music is always heard. It’s surely a place I’d like to be!

Check out her website as well as her Etsy shop, Cara Carmina, and see for yourself how talented this girl is. Her color schemes revolve around neutrals and play on the pale hues of nature but it’s interesting to see them shown in different forms. From her illustration work to her textiles, the design and palette come together in true harmony.

Color in Films: The Lord of the Rings

13 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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blue, fantasy, film, greens, lord of the rings, moss, nature, neutrals

Lord of the Rings is a film where color comes to life. This imaginative story by J.R.R. Tolkien is based around a ring which can rule all rings and give its owner the power to conquer all. With hobbits, princes, wizards, elves and more, the story unfolds into an amazing journey of triumph and exploration. The trilogy of the Lord of the Rings embarks on a nature inspired experience where Mother Earth and fantasy come together to create a cinematic setting that is brilliant.

From cool colors to rich tones, the depth of the films palette is endless. Mossy greens, liquid blues and leafy neutrals set the tone for a playground of possibilities.