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There's something magical about peonies, isn't there? Earlier this year, I couldn't resist picking up a stunning bunch of Sarah Bernhardt peonies from my local florist. These flowers, with their soft pink hues and layers of delicate petals, were simply begging to be painted. I set them up in my studio, arranged in an old passata jar, and got to work with my oils.
I use a combination of classical oil painting techniques with a modern twist. These flowers have been a favourite for classical flower painters for years, but I like to add my own fresh perspective. For my peony project, I decided to paint them in various formats, starting with the entire bouquet of five stems. The florist had thoughtfully chosen the flowers so that each one was at a different stage of openness—from tightly closed buds to full blooms. This provided the perfect opportunity to explore the complex peony shapes and create an interesting composition using all five stems. Plus it meant I could keep painting individual subjects after the first flowers had gone over.
The florist had also given me some practical tips to keep the flowers fresh for longer:
The first painting, 'Peony Bouquet', oil on board, 30cm x 30cm (SOLD)
Peonies are known for their intricate, layered petals, which can be quite a challenge to capture in a painting. But their complexity is precisely what makes them so rewarding to paint.
I use a combination of different techniques to create my paintings. One is a method known as 'sight-size' (where you paint the subject the same size as the object or image next to it) and another is, 'comparative measurement', where if you're not working quite at the same size you can compare angles and distances to each other to get the proportions right. I like to leave a little 'wiggle' room for interpretation and expression too!
With flower paintings I like to work from life where possible, although I always take a back up photograph in case of dramatic lighting changes.
Flowers like to move and wilt over time which adds another layer of difficulty...
By the time I was reaching the end of the bouquet painting, the fully open flowers had begun to wilt. At that point the buds had started to open, which allowed me to continue my project by painting the newly opened buds as individual flower portraits.
In total, I created three peony paintings: one of the full bouquet of five peony flowers and two of individual blooms. Having the flowers at different stages of openness enabled me to keep painting from life for longer.
Using oils and starting with classical techniques, means I am not a fast painter, so it was something of a win to be able to create three paintings from one bunch!
Peony I, oil on board, 15cm x 15cm (29.5cm x 29.5cm framed), AVAILABLE HERE
Peony II, oil on canvas board, 13cm x 18cm (27cm x 32cm framed), SOLD.
Peonies are one of my favourite flowers to paint, not just because they are stunningly beautiful, but also because of their ephemeral nature. They bloom gloriously for such a short period, and capturing them in oil paint is a way of preserving their beauty beyond their natural lifespan.
The complexity of the flower shape is also an attraction. I think I must like making life hard for myself by picking such a complicated subject! This is where my recent classical training has helped enormously. It has given me the confidence to find the larger shapes without rushing into things and work from simple shapes to complex details over time.
Two of the three original peony paintings have already found new homes, but prints of all three are available here.
The original oil painting of Peony I is available here.
Whether you're a fellow peony enthusiast or simply appreciate floral art, I hope these paintings bring a touch of their beauty into your home.
You can click the images below to go directly to the print you would like. You will also find an offer on each of these pages to get 15 per cent off when you buy all three! (Scroll down the product pages to find the offer).
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.
