Longing For Summer
If there’s one thing that doesn’t hang around for long here in the Studio, it’s floral artworks. We only seem to have a few days to coo over a joyful cacophony of flowers before they’re gone, jetting off to some discerning customer in Japan or New York, never to be seen again. With the whiff of Spring in the air and the arrival of a handful of some cracking florals here in our Studio, we’ve compiled a mini collection of some of our favourite floral pieces, past and present, for all you botanically minded readers. Here’s to Summer and all the joy she will bring!
This is a new face here in the Studio, and just in time too, as primula season is just beginning. This potting shed still life is a gentle reminder to all you gardeners out there to get your gloves on!
We were utterly besotted when this piece arrived at the Studio. This Mid Century oil encapsulates the crisp patterns and bountiful variety of Sweet Williams in full bloom. The gilt frame, with foliate molding that echoes the leaves in the painting, is a wonderful bonus too.
Fred Wilson - Framed Mid 20th Century Oil, Sweet Williams In Summer
The Victorians created their very own “language of flowers” that encapsulated all emotions and social gestures, from earnest love (the humble daisy) and seething jealousy (yellow roses) to the most mundane “I received your letter” (the blue Cantebury bell). These Victorian auricular or evening primrose charmingly represent deserved merit. If you know anyone you deserves a big well done, here’s the perfect gift!
A very traditional floral study, this watercolour of narcissus, presented in a simple black oval frame, holds a timeless elegance and harks back to the botanical studies of the Victorian period. AND it’s daffodil season!
We can’t wait for the long necks of irises to start pushing up through the debris from last years flowerbeds. It’s not long now until iris season, but while we wait we can get our fill from looking at this colourful array of yellow flag irises in this Ukranian oil.
Dima Braga - Framed Ukrainian School Contemporary Oil, Yellow Irises
We really enjoy the more tropical subjects of this striking piece, with philodendron and hibiscus taking the stage in vibrant hues and gestural strokes.
Eileen Seyd (1908–1976) - Mid 20thC Oil, Hibiscus, Alliums and Philodendron
Another absolute bargain, this study of expertly arranged tulips is a steal at £40. But be quick, the secret is out now!
A floral blog post wouldn’t be complete without a nod to Mid Century interiors and potted plants. This cyclamen in the window sings of the simple pleasures in life, flowers, books and light through a window. A truly peaceful moment.
This is about as in your face as it gets when it comes to floral art. No delicate whispers of a garden rose here! Absolute floral madness ensues in this Swedish school oil and the frame only adds to the party!
We love the lazy lollop of these heavy headed peonies and the simplistic execution of the glossy surface of the vase. The light and colour of this fun and unpretentious watercolour really does have us thinking of those long summer days in the garden, surrounded by the heady scent of flowers.
This vibrant piece is from a collection by the artist Paivio Westerlund Knighton and we can tell she knew her way around both a paintbrush and a trowel! This gorgeous sprawling arrangement of garden flowers shows some serious green fingers.
Paivio Westerlund Knighton (fl.1968-86) - 20th Century Oil, Celebration Flowers
Even the humble succulent has its moment eventually. This little potted fella is really giving it its all with these spiky pink blooms. Let’s take inspo from this guy, great things can come from the most humble beginnings.
This paired back watercolour is a refreshingly demure take on a floral still life. The muted colours and rustic vase highlight the crisp beauty of these delicious white chrysanthemums. Plus its got a hint of the Bloomsbury Group about it, don’t you think?
We can’t believe this one is still in the Studio! These fat headed pom pom dahlias keep the joy flowing here at Sulis! Get your floral fix before someone else does…
Kynaston Newbery - Mid 20th Century Oil, A Cacophony Of Dahlias
Nobody does floral grandeur quite like the Dutch masters of the 17th Century. Whilst this isn’t Dutch, or from the 17th Century, it certainly is masterful and a wonderful homage to the era.
A. Chaplin - Dutch School Style 1987 Oil, Roses and Carnations
For £45 you can’t really go wrong! This sweet little thing would look at home in a cottage bedroom or hung on floral wallpaper for maximum effect.
Luxurious colours and exquisitely fine detailing, this oil captures the bounty of the garden with Dutch style execution.
