Portugal-Inspired Nails: Hand-Painted Tiles, Lemons & Oranges
One of my favourite things about bespoke nail art is creating something that means something to the person wearing it. This client was heading back to one of her favourite places, Portugal, and wanted her nails to capture some of the colours and details she associates with it.
Rather than working from another nail design, we started with the elements she wanted to include: traditional blue and white Portuguese tile patterns, lemons and oranges. From there, I created my own interpretation and brought the different elements together into one summery set.
From inspiration to nail art
The blue and white hand-painted details were inspired by traditional Portuguese tiles, while the citrus added brighter pops of yellow and orange.
I love working this way because the inspiration doesn’t have to come from nail art itself. Places, architecture, ceramics, textiles, nature and even memories can all become starting points for a design.
The finished set still feels wearable and fun, but it also has a personal connection to somewhere this client loves returning to.
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About the Author
Kirsty Brown is the founder of Paintbrush Nails, an independent nail artist and educator based in Scotland. A Glasgow School of Art graduate and qualified Art & Design teacher, she combines professional nail education with a creative approach to nail art and design.