Flower subject to paint
Flowers are a broad subject matter for acrylic painting; so many different species of flowers and flower environments open up an artist to an infinite range of subjects for consideration. Acrylic paint dries fairly quickly so you will be able to layer colors and textures to convey depth and light. In addition to evoking a mood with colors, you can tell a story with flowers that represent something; the symbolism of specific flowers is deeply rooted throughout history and in cultures all over the world.
Japanese Flowers
Japanese flower arrangement
Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging; it originated as offerings in Buddhist temples that symbolized devotion toward the heavens, earth and humanity. In these arrangements, everything is considered; the negative space, the direction of the bloom and the shape and design of the vase or container is just as much the flower as the petals, branches and the leaves. Another Japanese-style art is zen-style painting. You may use multiple canvases that seamlessly link to convey a more modern and geometric quality to the painting. Zen paintings have a simple look and usually contain a single flower or multiple flowers that impart the illusion of silhouettes on a plain background. Japanese flower arrangements seem to last much longer for still-life study, but if time is not on your side, it is still a good idea to take a few photographs to keep as references.
Bouquets
High-contrast flower bouquet
Bouquets of colors that set each other off by contrast are ideal for painting; dark roses with white baby's breath are deep purple flowers intermingled with yellows and golds are examples of high-contrast colors. Keeping a close-up view also changes the dynamic of the painting; this will open the viewer's eyes to details and textures not usually seen except by a keen observer. Embellish your bouquet with strings of pearls or crystals found at your nearby craft store to add spectacular reflective light play to your still-life or add a family heirloom or jewelry into the bouquet to honor someone special. Take several pictures of your arrangement; bouquets usually do not last long enough to finish a painting.
Paint In An Abstract Style
Mysterious view of flowers
Using a real still-life or photograph does not mean you have to paint it realistically; use your imagination to emphasize and exaggerate shapes and colors. Paint so that the viewer mainly feels something but still gets the gist of what your image is. One strategy for abstract work is to blur your vision while painting; if this hurts your eyes, focus on the shapes and colors but do not get lost in texture or detail. You can also paint blurry flower representations that look distant; this vagueness or fogginess gives a mysterious feel to paintings.
