Say it with flowers

Flowers have been painted in many different ways and in almost all cultures throughout the history of art, but today’s artists are especially fortunate in having a far wider choice than previously – once-exotic blooms such as azaleas can now be seen in many parks and gardens, and a wealth of choice is offered by florists and even supermarkets. Those who can grow their own flowers can choose from a range of seeds and seedlings to decide which types of flowers interest them most.

The medium

The great Dutch flower pieces of the 17th and 18th centuries were painted in oils, while botanical artists used watercolour, a medium still very popular with flower painters. But acrylic seems almost tailor made for the subject, because it is so versatile.

You can build up a whole painting with transparent washes, much like watercolour; you