Inspiration: Twilight Falling in the Forest

Strangely enough, this installment of my vacation inspiration was rather difficult--more than I had anticipated, certainly.  I am pleased with the results, mind you...  It was just hard to get there!

Here is the color palette I had to work with:

The colors that I see there are shades of blue and black.  Yet, there is a luminousity that was surprisingly hard to capture--the effect of the fading light.  As a result of this ethereal nature, I made three pairs of hairsticks.  With each, I tried to highlight a different aspect of this color combination.


Here is the first pair that I made.  In this set of hairsticks, I tried to capture the depth of shining light contrasted to the silhouetted trees:

For the next pair, I tried to capture the shifting, fading shades of blue into black: 

And, in the last pair, I decided to do a straight representation of the colors involved: 

All in all, though, I am pleased.  How strange that the one that I thought would be the easiest--the simple colors of twilight--turned out to be the most difficult!

Vacation Pictures: Twilight Falling in the Forest

This next set of vacation pictures is my attempt at capturing twilight in the forest.


Now why, you may ask, would I attempt to capture the look of forest twilight? Simply because it is beautiful and peaceful.  Also, it seems only fitting to have this follow a blog post about sunsets.  :)  


Please keep in mind that it can be hard to take photos in the waning light...  And, with that in mind, please pardon any blurriness!



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While I was on vacation, I noticed that as evening continues, the shadows become longer and the trees become darker.

The fading light makes everything start to look more and more blue...

Until all that is visible are tree-silhouettes on a background of darkening light.

...And then, from there, night falls and it becomes simply darkness.


I find nighttime in the forest to be very calming and peaceful--especially when the stars just start to peak through the shadowed canopy.
  

Inspiration: Spectacular Sunsets

There are some sunsets that are brilliant and fiery--reds and purples swirling amongst the clouds, like phoenixes dancing in the sky.


And then there are others that are lighter, more ethereal... mixtures of white and blue and shades of pink.


It was these latter sunsets, these plays of light and clouds, that were so prevalent while on vacation.

Sun settting over the mountain lake

And it is this gentle color combination that I have used to create two pairs of hairsticks, two variations on the same theme.  

The first design has a focal bead that is white, flecked with pink and sky-shade blue:

The second pair is more subtle.  It has a cloud-colored focal bead and an accent bead the same color as the focal from the previous design:

Together, I think both of these pairs of hairsticks pay tribute to the beauty of the setting sun.

Vacation Pictures: Spectacular Sunsets

This is the second in my series of vacation pictures.  A long time in coming, perhaps, but hopefully worth the wait!

Behold:
Brilliant Mountain Sunsets!

The story behind these pictures:


The last three days that we were on vacation, it was brutally hot--especially considering our elevation!  We had no air condition in the cabin, so each night after dinner we went down to the lake to go swimming.  It was such a blessed relief--being cool and refreshed, while spending time with people I love.


We swam and played catch until the park closed at sunset.  


These are some of the pictures that I took once I climbed out of the water, reveling in complete contentment.

Inspiration: Misted Morning Walk

One of the things that I have been doing with my vacation pictures--something that I've been wanting to do for a long time--is using them as a spring-board for creativity.


After all, it is hard for me to look at this picture, and not be inspired.

We live in a magical world--if only we take the time to look

So, using that color palette of green and grey and brown, I designed this hairstick:

Now, I have something lovely to remind me of waking up early and wandering in the fog, looking over the misty lake and seeing nothing--but hearing the delighted sounds of morning birds.  I was so, so grumpy when I started that walk...  but as I went along, that feeling dissipated just like the morning haze.

Vacation Pictures: Misted Morning Walk

This is, hopefully, going to be the first part in a series.  Since getting back from vacation, I have been rather behind (on everything)...  So, here is my attempt to get back into the rhythm.  :)

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I took so many photos while on vacation (surprisingly, I know).  I have decided to split them up and post them here--not chronologically, but according to certain themes.

Today's theme: Misty Mornings.

One of the days that I was on vacation, my mother and I woke up very early and went for a walk through the misty woods.  It was an absolutely lovely morning.  Here are a few of the pictures that I took, trying to capture the play of light and shadow, grey and green.

Happy August!

Hurray for another month!