Thursday, November 3, 2016

Autumn Inspiration

I haven't had an opportunity to quilt in the last week, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about quilts or what inspires me in color and design. And right now my inspiration is definitely autumn. We've had a long-lasting color season this year. Most of the reds are fading or gone now, but there are still yellows and oranges with just enough green for contrast. 

I love how the yellow veins in this leaf contrast with the orange. It would make a good model for a wall hanging. The leaf isn't perfect, but that's what makes it interesting. 

We took a little trip to the Grand Rapids (Michigan) area on Tuesday. It was a balmy 78 degrees and a bit hazy. I love those kinds of (rare) days in November. We spent some time at the Grand Ravines park by the Grand River. 

Muted colors by the river--


I like to try to frame my photos with a tree branch/trunk when I can...

...or a railing--or both.

The woods in the protected areas of the ravines still had quite a bit of green.


But the colors kept changing depending on the sunlight. Look at those interesting lines. I think they were a vine winding through the trees.


I've always admired quilted landscapes with strong vertical trunks. There are so many techniques available to construct them. I really need to try one. (That's why there are so many pictures here.)





An overlook by a deep ravine. Kind of chapel-like.


Lovely path.


Spots of red. Twins.

And another view.

Such a beautiful day. I haven't been able to get out much this autumn--but this made up for it. And now a shout out to Soma, whose pattern Autumn Harvest is featured in my Autumn Abundance project this year. Thanks, Soma, for your wonderful paper piecing patterns and for encouraging us all to seek inspiration with our cameras.




I'm linking up today with Wandering Camera, hosted by Soma of Whims and Fancies.

                                                Camera And Photography Linky Party | Whims And Fancies   
                                                       
I hope to be back next week with some quilting. In the meantime, I hope your week is inspiring!

12 comments:

Michelle said...

Fall is such an inspiring time of year! So much beauty to be found both in our hearts and through our camera lenses.

KaHolly said...

Wandering Camera? What a fun meme. Love your pics. It was a delightful walk. Thanks for taking us along. I look forward to seeing your landscape quilt, when you give it a try! XO

krislovesfabric said...

What a beautiful walk through the woods, your quilt top looks beautiful :)

Louise said...

Love those "twin" red trees! My husband and I all call them "drama queen trees" when they stand out so vividly from the crowd like that :)

Bernie Kringel said...

Your photos are gorgeous Janine - they bring a sense of peace and quiet to me. I do love this season - probably even more than Spring. I always have. Thanks for posting these. I hope your arm continues to heal so you are able to create a piece inspired by these pictures. It will be lovely!

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

What beautiful photos, you live in a wonderful part of the world, thank you so much for sharing them.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

A lovely stroll through the woods!

Kaja said...

You took some great photos! I love the ones with just trunks and leaves. All our leaves are falling now - one good wind and they'll be gone.

Linda said...

Janine, your photos are just gorgeous! Great ideas for quilting too.

betty-NZ said...

What fantastic shots of autumn color! The colors are wonderful and I would probably roll around in the fallen leaves!

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

These photos are incredibly beautiful, Janine! I had a great time "walking" through them. The Autumn Harvest looks amazing, colours inspired by your photos. Thank you so much for your lovely words and for linking up on Wandering Camera :)

-Soma

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

Wonderful photos! Your woods are stunning in all their autumn glory :)