From Garden Inspiration to Art: The Making of a New Fall Pattern
The trip to the botanical gardens last month was so inspiring, I couldn't wait to get back to my studio. Since you aren't allowed to pick the beautiful blooms there, I stopped on my way home and picked up a fresh bouquet for my art table.
These sunflowers, zinnias, and coleus' vibrant fall colors just begged to be captured in art.
That evening, I decided to turn them into a pattern.
The Designer’s Process: Color and Detail
My medium of choice for this piece was watercolor, allowing me to achieve that rich, translucent texture that feels so organic. The first step in any pattern design is getting the colors right. I spent time mixing and swatching until I had the perfect shades—from the deep, moody plums of the coleus leaves to the sun-kissed golds of the sunflowers. This critical step ensures the final digital prints retain the vibrancy and depth of the original artwork.
Next, I meticulously painted each floral element individually. This is a common practice in surface design because it gives me complete control over the final arrangement. With each motif separated, the opportunities for different pattern layouts are truly endless.
The Art of Arrangement
Once the paint was dry, I scanned the images into my computer. This is where the magic of digital design begins! Using Photoshop, I was able to play with the scale, color, and density to devise a variety of looks.
Here are three different pattern variations I created based on the flowers I painted that evening:
Dense All-Over Repeat: (Far left top image) This variation features a tight, repeating geometric arrangement of the sunflowers and plum-colored coleus. It's the perfect choice for a bold statement wallpaper or a lively kitchen curtain that brings high energy to a space.
Wreath Medallion Repeat: (Top right image) By arranging the flowers in a circular formation, this design creates a beautiful, balanced medallion effect. This sophisticated layout is ideal for accent pieces like throw pillows, tapestries, or as a central detail on bedding.
Spacious Diamond Layout: (Bottom left image) This pattern uses the motifs to create a more open, airy diamond repeat. The negative space allows the deep navy background to shine, lending a classic, tailored feel that would look stunning on a traditional accent wall or a high-end duvet cover.
Be on the lookout for these, or other patterns using these same beautiful motifs, coming soon to my store on products like bedding and wallpaper!
