“Our response to color is intensely emotional, and flowers can be a catalyst for feelings that stimulate more than just our sense of sight and smell.” - Leatrice Eiseman, International Color Expert
Flowers have a history that dates back to the very beginning of our existence. They play a vital role in nature and in our lives. All forms of art have been influenced by flowers, including painting, sculpture, poetry, books, music, ceramics, and many other artistic mediums. Modern research reveals that looking at paintings of flowers stimulates the nervous system, promoting an enhanced feeling of well-being.
Artist Gloria Lee’s new painting series, Floral Splendor, celebrates the giving life force of the flower. Loose brush strokes, simple forms, and vibrant, contrasting colors characterize her art. Rejecting the careful shading and color transitions of botanical illustrations in favor of a fresh look, she candidly declares the role of artistic interpretation to be more important than careful accuracy. Lee paints what she feels. She paints her emotions, her passions, and her interpretation of what the flowers represent.
After 40 years of artistic exploration, Lee has a working knowledge of color application and balance. Whether she is working in a modern “Pop” style, abstraction, realism, or impressionism, she begins with an observation of feeling or mood of the subject. She applies her colors with a sensitive hand and utilizes textures to help create a mood. Lee’s variety of brushstrokes evokes a strong emotion and, by changing the direction of brushstrokes, she is able to add character, movement, energy, and life to the painting.
The artist states, “How I paint is not nearly as important as how the viewer feels about what they see. If they are not uplifted or inspired, the art is worthless, in my opinion.”