Albuquerque Summers usually promise at least one good storm and this year, while hot and dry, has proved faithful. I shot this photo the other night as the sun was setting and clouds were building. I had been in the house, and I looked out the window, and although I couldn't see the sky, I could tell from the color of the air. Does that seem weird? Sometimes you can just tell that the day's color is changing. My heart takes a little leap when that happens and I run outside to see what kind of show the sky is putting on tonight.
Sometimes it's hard to capture the glory of a sunset by camera, but this evening cooperated (and my new camera helped!). This one was too good not to share, so I decided to put it in a palette.
Rather than try to capture the exact colors on the palette, I decided to translate this sunset into colors that you might actually use in your home, or in a craft project. These rosy pinks are tempered with classic gold and dark navy, and would be perfect for a dining room or study.
I think smaller rooms are the best place to experiment with bold colors. Don't be afraid of navy! It creates a warm, cozy, enveloping feel in a room, and adding pops of pinks and gold will keep it from feeling too traditional.
Have fun painting or creating with this Stormy Sunset Palette!
I'm always looking for inspiring photos to turn into palettes. If you have any you'd like to share, please feel free to send them to me!
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
The sunset pic definitely inspired a great palette. I would not have thought to pair navy with those colors, and then here it is, and it works!
Meredith says
That's why I love these nature-inspired palettes. They include colors I'd never have thought to use together and remind me to think outside the box!
Paulette Lee says
Amazing sunset photo! I'm not usually a yellow-lover, but in this palette, I can easily imagine pushing my boundaries & using it in accent pieces. Thanks for all the color you add to my life. Hugs, Paulette
Meredith says
Thank you, sweet Paulette! I feel the same as you about yellow!
jacquiegum says
The sunset photo is simply beautiful and I think you've managed to capture it quite well with the palette. It's an effective way to see color in a different way.
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie! When I see colors like this in nature, it always opens my eyes to new possibilities. I'm glad to be able to portray that!
Natalie says
Such an amazing sunset!! This post makes me excited to try navy in our office- with gold frames and such to decorate 😉
Oh and I totally know what you mean about noticing the color of the air and running out to see the sunset! I do that too! 🙂 ABQ's sunsets are the best. ❤️
Meredith says
Thanks Natalie! I was totally thinking of you when I wrote that about the Navy! 🙂
Susan cooper says
I can see why that photo inspired you, it's stunningly beautiful. I'm a big fan of gold anyway; it's so cheery. This gives me great ideas to go with it .
Meredith says
Thanks Susan! I love how certain sunsets seem to turn the very atmosphere into gold. That's a hard thing to capture!