I’ve run out of elastic for the time being, so I’ve been making digital designs for Spoonflower. This next one is focused on the French or Italian Café of the 50s and 60s. It looks like several artists, including myself, used the same inspirational photos from the internet.

I challenged myself to use a loose brush stroke because I tend to get caught up in the details. I also tossed in some text, something I usually avoid.

Lined up next to the other artists, my design does not really jump out like I was hoping. I think my next two offerings will be more interesting.

The designs that do catch my eye are the ones with bold colors, even though we were supposed to use pastel. The interesting ones also focus on unexpected items from the café idea, like cats, just croissants or macaroons rather than cups, tables and chairs. Or, they use a distinctive artistic style. A couple of us tossed in a bicycle. Lamp posts and café fronts with awnings are popular. The fun in all this is that I’m always learning from my fellow artists.