This post first appeared last January in response to our challenge themes for 2009, which were all from art history. I shared some thoughts on my creative process of transforming a painting into a jewelry design. 
Inspired by the movement of the brushstrokes, I want to create a design with movement and texture. I would use lampwork disks by Blue Seraphim in the colors of the painting, wire-wrapped with silver to show off their swirls. To emphasis the feeling of a garden, I’d pair them with leafy green freshwater pearls. To finish the design I’d return to the theme of abundant texture and use one of Mamacita Beadworks floral inspired buttons as a clasp.
Zoom in on a detail of a painting for unexpected results. Not every design inspired by Van Gogh’s Irises need to have irises, blue or purple! By taking a corner of the painting that you find visual appealing, you can come up with a striking design that is a little off the beaten path. For this necklace I focused on the upper right corner of Van Gogh’s painting to explore a design using those lush greens and sunny yellows. For this design I’d use a ceramic pendant and connectors in green from Chinook Jewelry. I’d connect them together with hammered silver links from Prolifique. On each link I’d add dangles of yellow crystals that remind me of the flowers in the painting.
While it’s not necessary to take a literal approach to interpreting a masterpiece into a jewelry, you may find just the right bead for such a design. Lampwork artist Hannah Rachel offers sculpted iris beads that are made to order. Could there be a more perfect bead for this challenge? I’d make a tassel of pearls, crystals and stones in greens to create the “stem” of the iris. To carry on with the bold and organic theme I’d use peacock stick pearls mixed with silver beads. A handcrafted clasp from Cathy Dailey’s shop would compliment the shape of the pearls and the earthy feel of the design.
TesoriTrovati
December 29, 2009 at 3:24 pmI love that post Heather! I especially love your collage of design inspiration and wish that we could all be as clever. That is beautiful. Did you make any of these?
Thanks for sharing your inspiration. I am excited to see where you lovely ladies take us in 2010.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Linda Starr
December 29, 2009 at 5:05 pmTruly amazing how the transformations are intrepreted.
CreekHiker
December 29, 2009 at 6:30 pmI so enjoyed this post and the inspiration photos and I found the process of making jewelry inspired by paintings so creatively stimulating.
It's been an interesting year and I'm proud of myself for entering all 12 challenges. I'm looking forward to what you folks come up with for 2010!
Marbella Jewelry Designs
December 29, 2009 at 6:47 pmbeautiful creations!
isn't nice that there are so many wonderful elements to make our visions come to life.
sandi m
December 29, 2009 at 9:26 pmBeautiful interpretations – I have loved VG forever!
Thanks Heather ~ YOU are an inspiration!
sandi
Mel Mel
December 29, 2009 at 9:54 pmThis is a great post & the jewelry is awesome. Thank you for sharing your perspective. JUST BEAUTIFUL!
rosebud101
December 30, 2009 at 4:03 amI have to lift my jaw up off of the floor before I comment! Wow!