Radiant Orchid Art.

Lately I've been on a bit of a painting kick.  Something about spring's arrival has compelled me to bust out my paint brushes and some fresh new colors to liven up our home.

I was inspired to create my latest abstract piece when a good blog friend challenged a few of us to tackle a DIY project using Pantone's Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid.  I have seen mixed reviews regarding this color, but I have to admit, I'm a fan.  I think it adds a nice pop when I pair it with my favorite tried and true blue hue.

I did a little research to see which colors were deemed orchid-y enough and came across several awesome options in this post. The winner for me, though, was Behr's Orchid Kiss.  After seeing it in Alex's home tour, I was sold.  

I headed to Home Depot to pick up a sample, and while I was there, I fell in love with a combo of three colors....Behr's Pale Orchid, Behr's Orchid Kiss and Behr's Balmy Seas {the same color as the accent wall in our master bedroom.}

Once I had my colors home, it was time to get to work.  

I found a scrap piece of birch wood laying around in my craft stash and I painted it white for a base. Then I pretended I had painting skills and started adding color to my "canvas".  I kept a separate brush for each color and just added a few lines of the first color, then the second color and then the third.  I repeated that process over and over until the coverage felt right.  After that, it was time for some shine.  Lord knows I can't finish a project without involving gold in some way, shape or form. ;) So I pulled out a fourth paint brush and layered in some metallic on top of a few already painted areas.

Now, clearly I am no artist...but for just a few bucks {seriously....the paint samples were about $3 a piece} and a small amount of time, I was able to hop on board with a major trend of the year.  Plus, it may have inspired a possible room refresh in the near future! ;) 

Now head over to check out the crazy talented ladies who took on the Radiant Orchid challenge with me!

From top left moving clockwise: 

1. Flower Pots from Dimples and Tangles  2. Secretary Desk from Cuckoo4Design  3. Abstract Art from Retro Ranch Renovation  4. Wallpapered Powder Room from The Chronicles of Home  5. Painted Tray from Dwellings by Devore  6. Cross Stitched Jewelry Organizer from Primitive and Proper

How do you guys feel about Radiant Orchid?  Do you give it the thumbs up or thumbs down?!