I am surrounded by tulips here in the studio today. Tulips are one of my favourite flowers and a constant source of inspiration at this time of year. Each spring, I celebrate their beauty and diversity through oil paintings, capturing their colour, movement, and light.
Earlier this week, I visited the Ledbury Flower Farmer, a sustainable flower farm established by Rozanne Delamore on the edge of town. I was spoilt for choice when selecting subjects to paint. Now, three multi-coloured parrot tulips sit on my windowsill, slowly unfolding and revealing their intricate forms, perfect inspiration for my next piece.
From the Dutch Golden Age to Royal Worcester Porcelain
My fascination with tulips began years ago during a visit to the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, an artist’s paradise of colour and form. Inspired by the painters of the Dutch Golden Age, I created one of my first tulip paintings featuring Tulipa Estella Rijnveld. I couldn’t bear to part with this piece. It was exhibited at the Society of Women Artists exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. Limited edition prints are now available.
From the fine detail of Tulipa Estella Rijnveld a looser, more textured style, was explored in Tulip Tarantella where the moving shapes of the flowers skipped across the canvas. This painting was featured as a poster for my exhibition at Spetchley Park Gardens during my residency there and was sold at the show.
More recently, I painted vibrant Harlequin Tulips arranged in a Royal Worcester jug, a homage to the region’s rich ceramic heritage. This piece holds special meaning for visitors and collectors connected to the historic Worcester Porcelain factory. The painting is available framed, along with a selection of prints.
Playing with Light and Form
Light plays a central role in my work. In Pink Tulips Shadow Play, I was captivated not only by the blooms themselves but by the colourful shadows they cast, dancing shapes that add another layer of beauty.
In Magenta Tulips on Gold, I explored contrast using 23-carat gold leaf. The luminous background enhances the vivid magenta tones, pushing the tulips forward and creating a striking visual effect.
Looking Ahead: Exhibitions and Availability
Most of the paintings and prints mentioned here are available through my website. If you would like to view any pieces in person, please feel free to contact me directly. Also contact me if you would like to receive my monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about new paintings and prints.