Taking time to notice colours in the landscape can be done at any time of the year, and it’s interesting to notice how they change as the seasons change.
Here in Norfolk, it is still definitely winter, but we’re more than halfway to the equinox, the days are getting longer and there are signs of spring. There are buds on things in the garden, I’ve seen snowdrops and even some early daffodils.
Other than that it is still quite dreary. It might be different where you are. There might be several feet of snow with spring still a long way off!
Whatever time of year it is, there are always colours to notice. When it is drab and dreary, it can seem unpromising, but a closer look will often reveal colours that are more muted that what we’d expect to see in summer, but are equally lovely.
Sunrise is still quite late, about 7ish here at the moment, and the sun still sets early, at about 5, so it’s possible to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
Task
While you are out, take a little bit of time to spot colours in the landscape.
You might like to take some photos as an aide memoire. The camera on your phone will do just fine.
If you are feeling braver, and you have a bit more time, you could take some paints or coloured pencils out with you.
Creative Prompts
Pixelate a photo.
Match colours with pencils or paint.
Match colours with yarn, thread, scraps of fabric. You could stick them into a sketchbook or onto a piece of card, or put them in a folder to come back to another time.
Collect bits and pieces to take colours from, or collect colours while you are out. You could try smearing mud onto card or watercolour paper, or wiping watercolour paper over some moss. It sounds like a mad thing to do but it’s quite fun!
Make a colour scheme from your colour matching.
Journal about the colours in the landscape.
If you try colour matching, you could use the colours to make granny squares or start a ripple blanket.
If you prefer knitting to crochet, you could knit little squares in the colours you’ve noticed.
For another yarn idea, you could make a little loom out of cardboard and make a little weaving.
Embroider squares, a pattern or a random design in threads that match the colours.
If you’ve matched scraps of fabric to the colours, you could sew them together in a random patchwork, or cut them into squares or stripes and then sew them together.
If you matched the colours with paint or coloured pencils, you could colour squares, stripes or another pattern.
Collect bits and pieces and use colours to create an abstract, little or as big as you like! Paint, sewing, yarn, mixed media, have fun!
If you enjoyed making a colour scheme, or matching colours with paint, thread, yarn or fabric, you could do the same for a few photos and make a little collection of them.
