Inspiration - 'The Artist's Palette'

There’s something about colour studies and artist’s palettes that makes me a bit giddy, like I’ve managed to get a sneaky glimpse behind the scenes right into the artist’s studio and inner most thoughts.

'The Artist’s Palette' was designed (or rather, simply made) as a functional, utilitarian item for my studio. It was an easy way for me to show customers the colours I had on offer for custom designs at markets and events, but every time I cracked out the cup I was met with the same question - “Can I buy that one?”. And I’m hardly surprised, when I’m always so drawn to colour studies and glaze samples myself!

Let’s take a glimpse at some of the inspiration behind the piece shall we?

Gouache colour study, 2020
(Image courtesy of 2020 lockdown boredom - I created this at the dining table whilst locked out of my studio at the start of the UK Covid lockdown as an exercise in learning how to mix colour AND distract a busy overthinking brain)

Anni Albers - Design for a Wall Hanging, 1926
(Image courtesy of the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation)

If you’d like to see more colour sample inspiration then I HIGHLY recommend heading over the this Present & Correct blog post with plates used by 1960s travelling salesmen to showcase the variety of glazes available.