Why Paint Flowers?
- Carolyn Quan

- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Updated: May 28

Painting flowers is more than just creating a pretty picture.
Flowers have been a central theme in my work, flourishing on my canvases with vibrant colours and expressive brushstrokes. But they’re not just pretty shapes; for me, abstract floral painting is deeply personal... It's a way to explore my own femininity, emotional healing, and giving into softness.
Universal Beauty and Symbolism
Flowers are a universal language. No matter where you’re from, they hold meanings such as love, hope, renewal, and even grief. That kind of symbolism resonates with me deeply. But in abstract painting, I’m not bound by the realism of petals or stems; instead, I use colour, texture, and movement to express the essence of a flower’s beauty and emotion.
Art as Emotion and Healing
Floral painting has been my refuge and my way back to myself. For years, as a textile designer in the fashion world, I focused on clients' needs, meeting deadlines, and staying in line with trends. It was exciting but exhausting.
Eventually, I realised I needed to create art not for anyone else but for myself, for my own healing and emotional release.
Abstract flowers became my way of channelling emotions I couldn’t always articulate. Through the flow of paint and the freedom to break away from rigid forms, I found softness, self-compassion, and a sense of peace. As I’ve gotten older, this practice has only deepened. Painting flowers reminds me to embrace grace over perfection, to be mindful and present in the moment.
Timeless Appeal in Art and Decor
There’s something about florals that’s simply timeless. Whether you lean toward edgy modernism or classic elegance, flower-inspired art feels right at home in any space. Abstract floral paintings add another layer - they’re not literal reproductions, but open-ended invitations to interpret and connect. They have a way of complementing your home while stirring your imagination.
For me, painting abstract flowers isn’t just about creating something beautiful - connecting with universal themes, exploring emotion and healing, and celebrating the timeless appeal of florals. It’s art that grows with me, just like the journey of life itself.
If you see a flower in my work, know that it’s more than a design; it’s a story, a feeling, a piece of me - and maybe, a piece of you too.
What do you love most about flowers? Let me know in the comments!
Carolyn




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