Why I’m Painting 100 Florals (Just for Me)

Sometimes being an artist feels… stuck.

It looks like staring at a blank canvas for far too long. Painting the same thing over and over. Walking away from the easel and calling it “rest,” when really, it’s self-doubt disguised as productivity.

It's hard to admit, but this was how I felt recently.

When art starts to feel heavy

Somewhere along the way, my painting practice began to feel tied to outcomes. But the thing is, it was noone's fault but my own!

I have worked as a commercial artist for almost 20 years (about half my lifetime), and that experience taught me how to adapt my handwriting to different markets and products.

I know how to create designs for end use, taking market trends and consumer preferences into account.

My art was dictated by what would sell, what would perform well online, and what fit the collection. It was mostly strategy.

And while there’s nothing wrong with being intentional or professional about your art, I noticed something slipping away: play!

The joy of painting without an agenda. The softness of experimentation. The freedom to make something simply because it feels good.

I realised I wasn’t burnt out from painting... I was burnt out from expecting something from every painting.

Choosing something different

Lately, I’ve been craving a different relationship with my art. Less pressure to paint for product, but more room to breathe.

So I made myself a promise. One that feels gentle, imperfect, and deeply nourishing.

Introducing the 100 Florals Project

The intention is simple: to paint one floral a day for 100 days.

There are no strict rules.

• It doesn’t need to be consecutive.

• It can be ten minutes or an hour.

• It can be loose, messy, unfinished, playful.

  
  

What matters is simply... showing up.

Being gentle and curious.

And letting go of any expectations, other than experiencing the joy of painting itself.

Why florals?

Flowers have always been my visual language. I have rose and peony tattoos decorating my skin. I love having fresh flowers in the home. And I’ve sold many of my watercolour floral prints to fashion brands when I was a freelance textile designer.

They hold softness and strength at the same time. They’re expressive without needing to be perfect. And for me, painting florals has become a form of quiet meditation. A way to process emotions, regulate my nervous system, and return to myself.

In many ways, this project feels like returning to the beginning. Painting not to prove anything, but to feel something.

This isn’t about selling.

This part feels important to say out loud.

The 100 Florals Project is not about creating work for sale, nor is it a productivity challenge.

It’s about rebuilding trust with my creative practice, and reminding myself that my art doesn’t always need to be useful, profitable, or strategic to be valuable.

An invitation to witness the process

I’ll be sharing the journey as it unfolds: the messy bits, the quiet wins, the days when showing up feels easy, and the days when it doesn’t.

If you’re curious, I’d love for you to follow along on Instagram.

Not for polished perfection... but for honesty, colour, and creative courage.

You can follow the project here: @carolynquan.art

And if you’re an artist (or creative soul) who’s been feeling the weight of expectations lately, let this be your permission slip too!

To make art slowly. Imperfectly. For no one else but you.

With love,

Carolyn