Inspiration from Oscar de la Renta

According to Rosemary Verey, friend of Oscar de la Renta, "gardeners and couturiers possess many of the same talents; imagination, knowledge, and industry. Both know which colors shock or coordinate, which textures rasp or soothe, and both see fashions change—but they never forget that the concept of beauty is timeless."

This week I am enjoying a little get away before the move in to our new location in Alexandria. Husband is attending a conference, and I am puttering, thinking, and exploring Dallas, TX. Today is gray and rainy, and I understand they really need this rain, so I don't mind staying indoors a bit longer.

I visited the Bush Library at SMU and saw the show of Oscar de la Renta dresses worn by several first ladies, and the lovely gown made for Jenna Bush. There were simple lines, elegant folds, fabulous beading and an explosion of texture, but the thing I enjoyed most was seeing that de la Renta is also an avid gardener, and understands how "playing with the colors and textures of plants" can be such a delight.

I love how artists of all stripes seem to find the garden a place of inspiration, and I'm grateful to be able to learn from so many talented artists, both past and present.

Lilium henryi I think

Texture, color and line

Special thanks to Anne Bowen of Charleston Stems for the chat the other day. I love how this work lends itself to collaborating and encouraging others. She lives and works in the lovely southern city we called home years back. Hearing about her journey from kitchen sink to retail shop gave me a lot to think about!   

http://www.charlestonstems.com

A 2010 exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, featured the gardens and paintings of several of my favorite impressionists. I love to draw and find the colors they use appealing, but I hadn't thought of garden design on the large scale as a source of guidance for floral design, which focuses our eyes on a much smaller space.

It seems these painters found their gardens to be a restful sanctuary, but also a laboratory for experimenting with color, texture and design. I can't wait to glean from their experience and train my eyes to see more possibilities, which will hopefully bear fruit in ever more creative and pleasing designs. 

So much inspiration!