Why I Paint Abstract Florals (And the Power of Letting Go)
- Carolyn Quan
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
I don't paint pretty flowers. And I don't want to paint realisim. In case you were wondering... here is the real reason I choose abstract floral art over any other subject matter.
For me, art isn't about replicating what a camera can already capture. It is about something much deeper. Whenever I sit down in my studio, I naturally gravitate toward an abstract style, especially when painting my favourite subject: florals.
Chasing Emotion, Not Perfection
We live in a world that constantly demands perfection. Whether it is perfectly curated social media feeds or hitting every deadline at our work-from-home desks, the pressure to be flawless is exhausting.
Painting abstract florals is my rebellion against that perfection.
When I let go of the need to paint a botanically accurate rose or a mathematically perfect daisy, a weight lifts. Instead of worrying about getting every single petal exactly right, I get to focus purely on emotion. Abstract art is a sigh of relief. It is not about painting what a flower looks like; it is about painting what a blooming garden feels like on a warm spring morning. I am always chasing a feeling, responding to something from within me, or sometimes reacting to unprocessed emotions. Painting abstract florals is my release.
The Freedom of Untamed Energy
Nature is wild, unpredictable, and full of movement. Have you ever watched a field of wildflowers blowing in the wind? There is electric energy there.
Abstract art gives me absolute freedom to capture that untamed energy.
Bold movements: Instead of tight, controlled lines, I can use sweeping, joyful brushstrokes that dance across the canvas.
Unexpected colours: A leaf doesn't just have to be green. In the abstract world, it can be a vibrant teal or a soft, glowing peach, depending on the energy of the piece.
Following intuition: Abstract painting is a dialogue with the canvas. I let the paint guide me, which brings a lively, spontaneous energy to the final piece that you can actually feel when it hangs in your home.
Finding Beauty in the "Mistakes"
Here is my absolute favourite thing about abstract art: the deep appreciation for human-made marks.
In an era when everything is manufactured or digitally smoothed over, there is something incredibly grounding about seeing the artist's hand. I love leaning into the small details that traditional art might call "errors."
Visible brushstrokes: I want you to see exactly where my brush hit the canvas.
Happy accidents: A stray drip of water, a smudge of charcoal, or colours bleeding together on the canvas aren't mistakes... they are the heartbeat of the painting.
Texture and layers: These raw, unfiltered marks remind us that a real human being poured their heart into creating this piece. It makes the art vulnerable, authentic, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Bringing That Energy into Your Home
When you hang an abstract floral piece in your home, you aren't just decorating a wall. You are bringing in a daily reminder to loosen up, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the messy, beautiful reality of life.
If you are looking to bring some of this vibrant, perfectly imperfect energy into your own space, take a peek at the original paintings and fine art prints in my shop. And if you have a specific feeling or colour palette in mind, I am always open to custom commissions to capture your unique vibe!
Have you seen my latest canvas prints? Fine your favourite abstract floral art print below:
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