Studio Notes by Phyllis Orzalli

Hello creative comrades, friends & family, and surface pattern clients,

As the season shifts and cooler days invite us to slow down, I’m finding myself drawn toward quiet moments—tea in hand, wrapped in a cozy blanket, lost in an inspiring book. With the calm comes fresh creative energy, and I'm excited to share it with you.

In this edition of Studio Notes, you’ll find:

A peek at my latest artwork
Inspiration gathered from recent travels
And—saving the best for last—new surface pattern designs available for fashion, craft, or home

Thanks for being here. Whether you’re a fellow creative, part of my support circle, or a client in search of your next print, I hope this brings a little spark to your day.

A poem that I relate to:

"Creative work needs solitude.

It needs concentration, without interruptions.

It needs the whole sky to fly in,

and no eyes watching."

Mary Oliver

Painting in Paradise — A Tribute to Mom's Roses

Earlier this October, my husband and I took a three-week escape to Cozumel, Mexico. The ocean air, sunshine, and slow rhythm of island life were refreshing—but the real inspiration came from home.

Before the trip, I’d been dreaming of painting my mother’s roses. She's 91 and still tends her rose garden with the care and devotion of a true artist. I happened to visit her at just the right moment—the roses were in full bloom, and I captured them in all their glory.

While in Cozumel, I packed light but with intention: a 10” x 14” cold press watercolor block, a compact palette filled with my favorite tube paints, and six trusty brushes. These small but meaningful tools allowed me to begin this tribute painting anywhere—beachside, café patio, or villa balcony.

The piece isn’t finished yet. But now that I’m back in my studio, I’m working on it as time allows—adding layers, honoring the petals, and celebrating the roots of where it all began (photo 3).

Where Fall Meets the Tropics

Before we left for our travels to Cozumel, Mexico, I was surrounded by the luscious colors—and my favorites—of fall: slate blue, olive moss, mulberry wine, berry rose, rust clay, and golden ochre.

Once on the island, my mornings began with long, peaceful walks. I can never pass a flower without stopping to admire it—and often, I’d snap a photo or two. But this time, it wasn’t just the flowers that caught my eye. I found myself captivated by the leaves once again. Even on the island, the colors of fall were there too—their endless variety of shapes, patterns, and hues. Each day brought new inspiration, and you can be sure that leaves will be the subject of my next paintings.

Tenerife Blossoms

To introduce my latest pattern design for fashion, I wanted to share a bit of the story behind them. During an April trip to Tenerife, Spain, I was surrounded by tropical flowers and that vibrant island energy. One morning, while out for a walk, I photographed a cluster of stunning hibiscus blooms that became the inspiration for this piece.

When I began painting them, I focused on giving the leaves a sense of movement and rhythm—like they were dancing in the breeze. For the final pattern, I chose a deep black background to make the bright flowers and lush foliage truly pop.

To purchase this surface pattern or view my portfolio visit my website: https://www.phyllisorzalliart.design/

A Stroll Through Autumn Fields

To celebrate the fall season, I entered a Spoonflower design challenge that combined tartan plaid with the feeling of autumn in the English countryside. This piece was created entirely in watercolor—a warm, homey design perfect for seasonal décor and cozy interiors.

A warm and sophisticated fusion of nature and structure, Tartan Leaves pairs painterly watercolor foliage with a modern plaid grid. Soft olive and russet leaves drift across a geometric tartan of deep navy, crimson, and gold, all set against a rich brown background. The result feels both classic and contemporary.

To purchase fabric or products: https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/20160765

Until We Meet Again

This concludes my Autumn Edition of the newsletter. I’m not sure when the next one will arrive—it will be when new inspiration strikes and fresh surface patterns are ready to share from the studio. Until then, thank you for following along on this creative journey.

It’s been a long and winding road—but I’ve learned to keep moving, keep doing, keep exploring, and staying curious. I promise not to crowd your inbox, only to reach out when there’s something truly special to share.

As always, if you’d prefer to opt out, simply click the button below—no hard feelings at all.

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