“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

Frances Hodgson Burnett

I love summers spent in the picturesque countryside of the UK & Ireland. There is just a vibrant, lush world of inspiration waiting to be explored – the enchanting wildflower meadows. I think of wild flowers as abstract art inspiration. As an abstract artist based in County Down, Northern Ireland, I have found an endless source of creative energy in the vibrant colours, delicate forms, and the untamed beauty of these natural landscapes. Join me on a journey to discover why I love wildflower meadows so much and where I harness the spirit of wildflowers to create captivating abstract art.

The Wildflower Meadow: A Palette of Nature’s Hues

When I step into a wildflower meadow, I’m greeted by a stunning tapestry of colours. The hues of wildflowers span from deep purples and fiery reds to soft pastels and sunny yellows. These meadows are nature’s very own colour palettes, offering me an infinite range of possibilities. Each wildflower, with its unique shade and shape, tells a story to be interpreted on canvas.

I’m blessed to have a variety of these gorgeous blooms right on my doorstep. From the yellow, sweet-coconut smelling gorse on the coastal paths of County Louth, to the wild, purple heather on the Mourne Mountain tops, to the cornflowers and poppies growing wild and feral by the roadside.

Freedom and Expressiveness: Wild Flowers As Abstract Art Inspiration

Abstract art, much like the wildflowers themselves, is about breaking free from the constraints of convention. When I stand in a meadow, I feel a sense of liberation. The wildflowers sway in the breeze without concern for order or symmetry, and it is this very freedom that inspires my abstract artwork. I aim to capture the essence of this untamed beauty on canvas, using bold strokes, splashes of colour, and dynamic forms to convey the spirit of the meadow.

I love to incorporate small, unexpected pops of colour on a neutral palette. Reminiscent of those little precious purple orchids and buttery primroses breaking through the jagged rocks in the Burren of County Clare.

Embracing Imperfection

“Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.”

Jim Carrey

Wildflower meadows are living proof that imperfection can be utterly captivating. No two flowers are identical, and this natural diversity is a testament to the beauty of uniqueness. In my abstract paintings, I celebrate imperfection, embracing the unexpected and allowing it to guide my creative process. Just as wildflowers grow in random clusters, I let my paintbrush dance freely across the canvas, welcoming unplanned twists and turns. Sometimes there is a plan, other times I let the painting guide me. But even if a painting doesn’t quite turn out how I want and it ends up forgotten in a drawer or painted over, there was joy in the journey and beauty in the process. An opportunity to learn and begin anew in the next season.

Finding Tranquility Amidst Chaos

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”

Henri Matisse

Despite the apparent chaos of wildflower meadows, there is a tranquil undercurrent that runs through these landscapes. The gentle rustling of grasses, the chirping of birds, and the distant hum of insects create a serene atmosphere. I strive to convey this sense of calm within my abstract pieces, balancing the dynamic elements with moments of stillness. It’s a delicate interplay between chaos and serenity, much like life itself. Little pops of beauty and gratitude exist, but they don’t beg for attention. You have to seek them out, and you are richly rewarded when you make the effort.

Creating a Connection

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an abstract artist inspired by is the opportunity to connect with others through my art. Just as a wildflower meadow attracts a diverse range of creatures, my art invites viewers from all walks of life to find their own interpretations and connections within the canvas. I encourage viewers to explore the layers of meaning and emotion, much like the layers of wildflowers in a meadow. Inspired by bright colour, my paintings are an interpretive journey of our surroundings. My paintings are not perfect representations of what I see. Rather, I want to set the tone of the landscape, the bold texture and colour to lead you to your own conclusion. To find your own wildflower – your personal colour and freedom in your daily life.

Nurturing the Seeds of Creativity: Wild Flowers As Abstract Art Inspiration

“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.”

A.A. Milne

In the wildflower meadows of Ireland, I have discovered a wellspring of inspiration that continues to nourish my creative spirit. As an abstract artist, I find solace in the chaos, tranquility in imperfection. There is boundless beauty in the colours of nature. These meadows have become a muse that reminds me to embrace the freedom of artistic expression and to celebrate the wild and untamed aspects of life. See some of my current abstract paintings for sale here.

So, the next time you find yourself wandering through a wildflower meadow or gazing at an abstract painting, remember that both are journeys of exploration, where beauty thrives in the unexpected and the untamed.

I hope you liked what you read today. If so, please leave a comment below and let me know. Why not follow me on Instagram @helenatarnart to continue the journey?

Whether you’re an artist seeking new sources of inspiration or an art enthusiast exploring the wonders of creativity, there’s a wild and vibrant world waiting to be discovered.

Be a wildflower. Bloom in the meadows. Your artistic potential is ready to burst forth. Grab your paintbrush, camera, or any medium that calls to you. Share your art with the world. Let’s celebrate the beauty of abstraction and the wonders of nature.