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As my exhibition at the Frame Workshop and Gallery in Ipswich continues this month, I've been reflecting on why I love painting flowers and some of the techniques I use.
Flowers have long been a source of inspiration for artists. With so many colours and shapes they provide endless material for creative expression. For me, flowers have been a creative spur, a storytelling aid, a pick-me-up, and at one point - a lifeline.
I feel a profound connection with flowers, especially those nurtured in my own garden. Painting flowers in oils isn't just a creative outlet for me; it’s an extension of my love for growing them too.
I became interested in growing my own flowers around 17 years ago, during a difficult period of my life. At a time when illness left me unable to do much, tending to trays of seedlings on my window sills gave me a sense of hope and purpose.
The act of nurturing these tiny plants and watching them grow played an important role in my recovery, and I developed a deep appreciation for the resilience of these tiny seedlings. From that time, I have been an avid gardener, which of course led me to want to paint the things I grew.
My favourite style of garden is the cottage garden — I just love its chaotic abundance! But out of the chaos we can find some sort of order. I have always been interested in stories and storytelling, and flowers can be really useful for that. Flowers and fruits have been used throughout art history to tell stories or make subtle allusions. Different types of flowers carry a variety of meanings — from roses representing love, friendship or enthusiasm to pansies portraying thoughtfulness. Some flowers have a history in herbal medicine such as marigolds which can be used for healing. Others lend themselves to visual allusions such as snowdrops with their bowed heads, quiet elegance and sense of hope.
Part of the joy of flower paintings is that they remain open to narrative interpretation. You can decide to attach meaning and storytelling to them, or you can simply enjoy the shapes and colours.
For me, daffodils signal joy at the arrival of spring, moving into brighter days. Their shape makes them look like they are singing in joyful chorus.
By working predominantly from life in my studio, I’m able to hone my observation skills and pay tribute to the diverse array of shapes, colours, and textures these flowers offer. I also sometimes work with my own photographic references and a good dose of imagination too. Connecting with gardens, the countryside and the rhythms of the seasons is a major part of my work and I love the way that flowers can open the doors to our imaginations and evoke different types of feelings.
My artistic style marries classical techniques with a contemporary twist. I often depict flowers with a realism that borders on portraiture; each flower becomes like a sitter.
With some of my larger or more complex compositions, however, I incorporate expressive brushstrokes in the backgrounds, blending the classical with the modern to create a unique and quirky effect. This approach not only highlights the beauty of each flower but also reflects my ongoing exploration of blending tradition with expression and modernity in my work as a flower artist.
Undertaking classical training in 2023 was a turning point for my practice. It strengthened my foundational drawing skills, especially in observation and drawing from life. The discipline and precision of classical techniques has given me greater confidence, even when I choose a more intuitive and free-flowing style. This blend of approaches can be seen in my recent rose paintings, where the complex nature of the subject is complemented by the expressive freedom of the background.
Creating a flower painting in oils is a deeply immersive and layered process. I start by establishing strong foundations, whether it's through detailed sketches or going straight to blocking in the main shapes and colours. Strong observational skills and a keen eye for detail must be present but kept in balance with a more intuitive relationship with the flower and the feeling that it evokes. There comes a point, often about three-quarters of the way through, where everything starts to come together in a rhythm that feels almost magical. Many artists refer to this as the 'flow' state and there's nothing else quite like it! It’s at this stage that the painting truly begins to capture the essence of what I want to portray.
Through layers of paint, I work to refine shadows, enhance colours, and build depth, sometimes using glaze layers and sometimes using scumbles of thicker paint. The slow, deliberate nature of oil painting allows me to explore the richness of each bloom, creating a sense of depth and texture that draws the viewer in.
Living in rural Suffolk, I am constantly surrounded by inspiration. The changing seasons and the rhythms of the countryside are constant influences in my work. I paint spring flowers like daffodils and blossom as they emerge, and in high summer, my focus shifts to hollyhocks, day lilies, and roses amongst others. Autumn brings a wealth of fruits, vegetables, and the occasional flower still lingering in the garden. Birds, too, find their way into my work, reflecting the abundant birdlife in and around our home.
This connection to nature is not just a backdrop but a driving force in my artistic practice. The immediacy of working from life, whether in capturing the fleeting beauty of a peony or the intricate details of a rose, keeps my work dynamic and connected to the natural world. It's this ongoing engagement with the outdoors that I hope resonates in my floral wall art, offering viewers a glimpse of the countryside's charm and the joy of cottage garden flowers.
I love the way that flower paintings bring all the joys of the garden into our homes. As a flower artist, my goal is to create pieces that not only reflect the beauty of the flora but also evoke the emotions and memories tied to them.
In my floral wall art, I aim to capture a particular moment in the cycle of the seasons, preserving the cottage garden flowers for all to enjoy. Each painting is a celebration of life, growth, and the enduring appeal of flowers, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find joy in their shapes and colours.
You can see a selection of my flower paintings at the Frame Workshop and Gallery on St Nicholas Street in Ipswich until 2nd November, 2024.
If you can't visit the exhibition in person, please explore my collections of original flower paintings, flower prints and floral canvases and I hope you can find something that will resonate.
I’m taking part in Suffolk Open Studios this June! Come and visit my working studio to see original paintings, prints, and behind-the-scenes creativity. Find out more about the opening dates and times and what will be on offer...
What does a self-portrait reveal about an artist? In my latest blog, I look at how self-portraits balance revealing and concealing. I reflect on the works of Rembrandt, Kahlo, and Gentileschi - while also sharing the story behind my own recent painting.
