A great bunch: 6 creatives capturing florals in art
The beauty of flowers has been captured in art for centuries. Take van Gogh, for example: the late 1800s saw the post-impressionist artist paint five canvases with sunflowers in a vase. Unlike other artists of the time, he celebrated this flower – one that was often seen as ‘unrefined’ – and even wrote that the sunflower paintings communicated ‘gratitude’.
From still life pieces to more abstract works like those by Andy Warhol and even sculptural pieces, flowers have certainly been the subject of many artworks, and while sometimes it’s simply about capturing their beauty, other times, it can be deeper than that – like van Gogh’s expression of ‘gratitude’ with his sunflower paintings, and as I’m sure anyone familiar with author Holly Ringland’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, and the language of flowers, would know.
Here are some of our favourite artists creating gorgeous floral pieces today.
Valeria Ganzman
Valeria Ganzman’s ‘Irises’ collection features stunning watercolour works on handmade paper. Living in Haifa, Israel, the artist mainly focuses on figurative and botanical paintings. During a period of illness, Valeria’s grandmother brought some plants to her porch – while unable to paint at the time, Valeria would sit there observing and researching them: “I was too weak to draw them, but I imagined what I could create with their inspiration once I recovered.”
Eliza Koch
Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Eliza Koch is inspired by bright colours, patterns, beautiful homes and gardens. “I am drawn to the genre of still life as I can combine all of these elements. Most of my paintings include something homegrown!” she shares. Working predominantly with acrylic on canvas, the way Eliza captures the vibrancy and playfulness of flowers is mesmerising!
Pia Kuykhoven
Having been a successful landscape designer, it’s little wonder flowers make their way to the canvases in Pia Kuykhoven’s garden studio in Adelaide – fusing her love of painting and plants. “I specialise in acrylic-based work, and love the opportunity to bring the beauty of flowers into people’s homes, along with nostalgic still life items, including teacups, saucers and vases,” says Pia. “My floral pieces consist of an intense, bright, yet contrasting colour palette.” As well as painted works, the artist also works with clay, making vases and platters with hand painted floral designs.
Kirsty McIntyre
Melbourne-based artist Kirsty McIntyre explores Australian-themed still life subjects through her work, including flora and the friendly local birds that frequent her backyard. Working mainly with palette knives and oil paint on canvas, every piece is beautifully textural.
Natalie Martin
Particularly fond of native Australian flora and fauna, Natalie Martin is a talented watercolour artist. Capturing in-season blooms, the inspiration for Natalie’s work is ever-changing throughout the year – each piece vibrant with strokes of colour.
Kate Quinn
There’s no doubt flowers inspire artist Kate Quinn when she’s busy painting still life works in her Brisbane studio. Fruit, textiles, ceramics and vessels also make their way to her compositions, brought to life on canvas with oils. “I offer originals, homewares, art classes and fine art prints for sale,” shares Kate. She also hosts art workshops – Bloom Art Experiences – with another talented floral artist, Emily Day.
