“Creating a restful space that makes your shoulders drop the moment you walk through the door can be achieved in many ways,” writes Sally Denning in her book “Calm: Interiors to nurture, relax and restore.”
Sally continues, “Getting the colour palette right is one of them. Colours can stimulate and excite, but they can also make us feel relaxed and at peace.”
Included in her list of calming details, she references nature as key, like calming textures with a connection to the outdoors such as ‘patina on old wood’, collections of nature elements like sticks, and rocks. She refers to rhythmic patterns and palettes found in nature.
Her own home is featured in the book, which expresses soft palettes, wood, soothing landscape paintings, and handwoven textiles.
Sally says including inviting tactile textiles will have the same effect as “a hug from a friend.”
We know that original art can invoke strong emotional responses. Art can offer a feeling of rooted, and grounded. It can help us connect to beloved places, and loved ones. Nature art can instil a sense of healing, and belonging. Soothing colours in blue and green palettes are the most calming of all colours. Not surprisingly, they are the colours of lake, cobalt sky, moss and evergreen. Nature’s palette.
Sally says its so important to feel a sense of calm today, that it can “allow us to flourish, and feel nurtured and secure.”
The season often encourages a sense of calm in our surroundings. Intention of outdoor work turns to refurbishing infusing interiors with that which bring our hearts joy and peace.
It’s the time of cozy sweaters, fireside chats, curling up with a good book.
For me, it’s the season of easing up storing personal garden tools, and stocking up on art supplies. I have so many ideas for new work, my hands yearn for the brush with the deepest of intentions.
In other news, I am currently looking for a gallery representative, if you know of a gallery in your area, that would be a good fit, please reach out with their details, and if possible, mention my work to them.
If you’re still following along in the blogs, and want them to continue I would love to hear from you. Some suggest the time of blogs is past. They might be correct, as it seems many reach out through instagram, or directly to purchase or keep updated on my art.
My instagram page is updated usually weekly with new work, I welcome you to follow along. @dawnsartworks
New Work attached, please email for details.
