A few weeks ago, my family went camping near Durango, Colorado, one of my favorite places on earth. It’s a haven for fly fishers, campers, and all sorts of outdoorsy types.
I’m not really any of those things, but my husband and kids are, so in the name of fresh air and family time we packed up our camper, some hot dogs, and our ‘Dora’ fishing poles and set off for the wilderness.
Well, it’s less of a wilderness, and more of a state park with about 30 other campers parked among the trees, but we were as happy as we could be. Other than a couple of unfortunate falling rock incidents, it was a great trip.
I snapped this photo on a sandy beach area of the creek where we were “fishing” one afternoon. (That water was COLD!) I thought the colors were so pretty and vivid that I wanted to remember them. Alas, my camera couldn’t really record how many variations of blue and green ran through the deep water.
This picture (below), however, did really capture the colors in the rock. Fortunately this was not one of the falling rocks, but it happened to be right next to a very large rock that my 7-year-old tried to pick up and failed, smashing her big toe.
My husband had to carry her up the steep 10 foot embankment from the creek bed, and I thought for a few minutes that our trip would end in a visit to the local ER, but all was well after a little TLC. So, to commemorate the moment, and the trip, I put together this palette.
The Valspar colors are (from left to right):
- Metropolis
- Can’t Miss Lime
- Moss Mulch
- Belle Grove Buff
Although the rock is as old as the Rocky Mountains, this color palette feels fresh and modern. It lends itself to natural accents and lots of sunlight. Earthy tones like this do well with a pop of green added in occasionally. If it works in nature, it will probably work in your home too!
Do you have a photo you’d like to see made into a palette? Send it to me – I love a good color challenge!
jbutler1914
Thursday 18th of September 2014
Those are some wonderful pictures. The palette looks nice as well.
Meredith
Saturday 20th of September 2014
Thanks! The best thing about the pictures is the memories they represent.
bindu saju
Thursday 18th of September 2014
Very nice palette. You are very good in finding combinations from nature.
Meredith
Saturday 20th of September 2014
Thank you! Nature always presents an interesting color challenge.
Eve Koivula
Thursday 18th of September 2014
I love the picture of that rock! I actually have a "thing" with canvases like that and this has the most beautiful colors, too.
Meredith
Saturday 20th of September 2014
Thanks Eve, glad you liked it!
Alice de Sturler
Thursday 18th of September 2014
Very peaceful colours, I love the fact that you get your inspiration from nature.
Meredith
Saturday 20th of September 2014
Thank you Alice!
lenie5860
Thursday 18th of September 2014
Hi Meredith - I love the colours. They are so calming, just like everything else in nature. Both pictures are great but the one of the rock is outstanding - amazing how you saw and captured those colours. Lenie
Meredith
Saturday 20th of September 2014
Thank you Lenie!