Florals is a collection of close cropped still life oil paintings focused on found flowers from local environments. Inspired by traditional botanical illustrations, the stark images of single florals against deep, spacious backgrounds highlights the existence of these species in the time of climate crisis - how they have found a way to thrive, how they exists during different seasons, or have evolved in different regions. The inclusion of the botanical illustration reference comments on our decisions to have taken many florals and botanicals from their natural habitat, and continue to do so for our pleasure, regardless of whether or not it is for the best. The locally sourced subjects reminds us to look at what is close by and see the beauty of the nature that exists immediately around us.
Works are created with layers of oil glazes, building up the colour with depth and delicacy reminiscent of the petals and leaves of the florals. The whites are lifted from the ombre opaque background, which subtly shifts from deepest black to crimson across the canvas.
WHITE LISIANTHUS, WHITE TULIP, WHITE ANEMONE
Oil on Canvas
44x54 cm framed / 40x50cm canvas