“The rushing of the sea–tides of the soul; And inspirations, that we deem our own.”
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
If you have ever faced the ocean and known bliss in that moment when the horizon blends into the water, and all you see about you are shades of blue and cream, luminous gold and palest rose, then the sea may just be your color inspiration, as it is mine. I have always been inspired by nature: my muse is found in the dappled quiet of forest paths, the brilliant sunrise shedding gold on fields of flowers, and the buttermilk sky when clouds are gathering. But always and forever, I have turned to the sea.
photo: Rob Berkley
I want to share with you some of my favorite scenes and colors, found in the wildly tossing ocean waves, as well as the gently muted tones of the sea glass I find later on the sand. This is my world of color inspiration. Come take a look with me!
photo: Terry Pommett
There are hundreds of shades of blue. They can change whether a room is lit by sunlight or candlelight.
photo: Terry Pommett
photo: Terry Pommett
Green is the essence of serenity, especially when combined with milky white. It makes a bedroom such a restful space.
photo: Erik Rank
Glass tiles can gracefully recall seaside blues and greys, and the fluidity of water.
photo: Terry Pommett
The white of sand, the blue of sky, and ocean views from uncovered windows combine to make this room an inviting respite from the world.
photo: Michael Partenio
Sometimes color is the merest whisper, yet is always powerful. Whites can be soft oatmeal or shimmery mother of pearl, pinks are romantic or playful, greens are apple or sage, blues are nostalgic and faded or bold and lustrous.
There are so many breathless moments I’ve spent at the shore, with the wind in my face. The cold splash of waves awakens me to the vibrancy of life, and suddenly I know a bold cobalt is the perfect counterpoint to purest white. A room comes together in my mind.
photo: Terry Pommett
Books are another beloved source of inspiration for me. One of my favorites is simply called Waves by Steve Hawk. His photographs bring me back to the beaches I love, even when I’m far away. You can almost hear sea gulls with every turn of the page.
lovely… Blue is also natural, so natural