My experience with painting flowers has always been a little rocky. Strangely enough, landscapes have always come quite easily to me, but when it comes to capturing the delicate form of petals, I often find myself hesitating. Flowers demand a kind of softness and precision that I have not always felt confident in. As a result, I would often lean slightly abstract—finding ways to express their essence without fully confronting the details I was unsure of.
This Mother’s Day, however, I was determined to paint a tribute to my mom. I decided to stay fully present with the process and shift my mindset from uncertainty to a quiet, resolute belief that I could do it.
Carnations and marigolds felt especially fitting for this piece. Both carry such deep symbolism for love and remembrance—perfect for a Mother’s Day offering. I began with the concept of a floral arrangement, building it patiently, branch by branch. One layer at a time, I added leaves and blossoms that seemed to naturally support the main stars of the composition, set against the grainy texture of a wooden backdrop.
With each stroke, the painting slowly came alive.
When I finally stepped back to look at the finished artwork, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Not just for the painting itself, but for the ability to use art as a form of dedication to my late mother this Mother’s Day.
She left us earlier this year, passing peacefully in her sleep after living with dementia for many years. Even though her cognitive abilities gradually faded over time, there were still so many moments when I could feel her love in her soft gaze. I miss her dearly, yet I also carry immense gratitude for having been raised, protected, and loved so tenderly by her.
In many ways, the magnitude of her love feels like the marigold—bright, warm, and all-encompassing. The gentleness of her care flows like the layered petals of the carnation, soft and enduring, unfolding in waves.
To all mothers in the world—may your love be returned to you in tenfold.
Happy Mother’s Day. 🌿
