Tranquil Colors of Morocco, Naturally Found In Chalk Paint®!
Welcome back!
In last week’s post, I shared some bright, cheerful, energizing spice colors of Morocco. This week I’ve selected new photos that I found to be soft, quiet, reflective, peaceful, tranquil. Perhaps that’s the state of mind I brought home from two weeks of traveling in and around Marrakech.
I want to show you how Chalk Paint® decorative paint colors can be discovered in nature. And in home decor. In northern Africa.
On a spectacular traditional door. Do you see the Florence Chalk Paint® color just radiating with depth and texture?
Here are two young brothers making the long, steep and winding trek up into the Atlas Mountains. Quietly they rode, all nestled tightly together. Holding on. Each step precious on the loose stones. (Antibes Green, Greek Blue, and Graphite.)
Below I shared a moment with several gorgeous (and noisy) creatures at Peacock Pavilions, aptly named for these lovely birds. Maurice, the gentleman in the background, rests with his peahens. They used to roam freely across the property, but are easy prey for dogs. (Provence, Antibes, Florence and more.)
Cafe au lait (coffee with milk) is a welcome and nourishing treat, shown here with the foamiest of foams ever. The typical blue tile-like design on the dish is classic. (Napoleonic Blue.)
There is nothing like the high, bright white ceilings of Morocco. And how handsome and detailed are these hand-made lanterns strung in threes. The world just seems to stand still while enjoying them. (Pure White.)
Here is Sa’id. (Sa – eed). We met him when he accompanied his Mother Omnia, a translator, to our workshop for twelve-year-old young ladies. We taught the girls how to stencil sweet tiny Moroccan designs. Said is multilingual, and a joy, with the twinkliest eyes ever. (Provence and Pure White with a dash of Florence.)
These perfectly parked bikes are awaiting the return of their owners. Brick-makers by trade, they spend their days making countless pavers. One. By. One. (Napoleonic Blue and Coco.)
Here is another little nook at Peacock Pavilions. Just near the large, tiled pool. We spend many hours working on our stenciling project, but we were able to congregate poolside in the evening, special drink in hand, enjoying soft sunsets. (Graphite, Emperor’s Silk mixed with Pure White to make the bright pink, Antibes and Greek Blue.)
We were usually graced with the presence of numerous kitties, owned by Skylar, young daughter of the house. This friendly fellow struck many feline-like poses for us. Until his brother silently crept by and jumped him. (More of the same colors. And a kitty.)
Leaving the pool, my roundabout leisurely stroll to dinner took me by this massive planting of white roses, burning with color against the setting sun. (Pure white with blushes of Emperor’s Silk and Barcelona Orange.)
Our destination… a private dining tent. Everyone needs one, I decided. Spoiled, each evening found our lively, animated group surrounding a perfectly appointed tableau. Tired. But exited about the day’s adventures we’d shared. Served with panache. A tasty tagine was presented with a flourish and a description of the locally-grown veggies and herbs. Home-made breads. And the perfect wine of course. (The colors of Good Night.)
Now that I have been home for a couple of weeks, naturally, I am inclined to paint. Something. Anything. So, the jet lag barely lifted, I am exploring new, cool colors. Annie Sloan, and my trip to Morocco, have found me open to new color exploration. You see, I have always had “fear of blues.” I wear blue, but walls in our home have never been any shade of blue.
Except, upon my arrival home, I looked around and found lots of blue. In my pottery. Dark blue, light blue, blue-green. So I must like it! Last weekend I painted our master bath in a new color – 1 part Napoleonic Blue to one part Old White. Steve and my daughters were stunned at my brave color choice – and they love it!
Next week, I hope you will join me back here for new projects! Using some of these Chalk Paint® colors:
