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Retro Art Nouveau - Trying a New Style

Retro Nouveau Design Challenge

I am getting in early for the next design challenge on Spoonflower. The Retro Nouveau Design Challenge is one I was very excited about. I thought I had never drawn an Art Nouveau inspired design. But, once I looked for inspiration I found that there are many similarities to one of my favourite styles, Art Deco.

Art Nouveau Retro Floral Warm Earth Tones Large 


This is the original colour way that I drew. I liked the warm earth tones and this seemed to tie in well to the Nouveau themes I had seen. After many edits, extra layers to add a little more detail and take some away again, it is finished. I began to play with the background colour to see how it would look on a darker background.

Art Nouveau Retro Floral Dark Earth Tones Large


And that is how I ended up with this darker earth tone version. I love the extra more obvious detail in the first design but the elements pop so much more on the darker background. I have been running a poll on Instagram and Facebook and this design seems to be winning the race as the one I should enter in the challenge.

Art Nouveau Retro Floral Dusty Pink Blue Large 

The brief for the design challenge was very specific about colours, "For your color palette, think deep maroon, dusty pink, burnt orange, peacock teal, emerald green and golden ochre — retro colors that sing." With this version I have tried to incorporate a few of these colours, dusty pink, burnt orange and peacock teal. I was not a fan off all the colours together so selected a few to feature. I love how it turned out, a more subdued effect but definitely has a retro vibe.

Art Nouveau Retro Floral Dark Green Blue Large 


And because three is never enough, I went for a more monotone style for the last colour way. I love this more muted version. The similar green and blue tones give it a slight softness, not quite as Art Nouveau as the first two versions.

The design is also available in two sizes, Large and Medium. All of the designs above are in the large size. You can check out the collection here, Art Nouveau Collection by The Dutch Kiwi.

I love how design challenges push you outside of your comfort zone to try something new!