Yeah, I find tons of inspiration online for things that influence my projects, but getting out and shopping and actively looking for stuff can be super inspiring as well.

Case in point: This canvas from World Market is soooo pretty. I love all the shapes (it kinda looks like doilies) and the colors as well as the use of texture that rose off the canvas. To me, it looks like it merges a modern look with an abstract/organic look and I love that. That’s what I would define my overall style being.

I love the abstraction and metallic paint used on this shirt from New York and Company. The beads give it an artsy/layered look as well. I think this look could easily be replicated using your own Soft paint and beads. Maybe not on a shirt, but perhaps on a pillow or canvas. If you see an idea you like, you may need to think of it in a different way…maybe you may not WEAR it, but you would love to have that look as a décor accent. Keep an open mind when you are out and about.

I love these retroesque kitchen sets at Target. The colors are just so bold and fresh. Of all the pieces, I’m tempted to buy the red bread box. I don’t know what it is lately, but I can’t get enough of red! I also need a paper towel holder as well, but I spent over $150 at Target today and that was way over my limit! Anyway, what I take away from this is that a retro look can be upscaled to have a more contemporary flair. Just by adding that little side pane window on the canister set, it made it much more modern. If you love making retro art or accents, how can you give it a twist that will make it totally different? I think that’s always a challenge to us artists. By taking it to that next step, you can make something totally new and inventive and it just takes a small tweak. It really will make you stand out from the crowd if you are able to make your look different!

I’ve been busy cleaning up my studio. It’s a lot of work cause it was super unorganized, but I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. YAY! I bought some cool new IKEA wall shelves, desk, and some other fun accents I plan on sharing real soon!

Hope you have a great week!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa