The Inspiration: Faces and Flowers
- Sandee Hjorth
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
There’s a natural connection between faces and flowers—both tell stories. A face reflects emotions, while flowers carry symbolism, from love and hope to resilience and renewal. Together, they create a narrative that feels deeply personal and universal.
This idea started forming during walks through gardens in Oxford and Godalming, UK. The sunlight filtering through petals reminded me of how light dances on human skin. The textures of leaves and stems mirrored the curves and lines of a face. I knew I had to bring these elements together in my art.
Sketching the Concept
Combining faces and flowers in a sketchbook is a wonderfully freeing exercise. Here are the steps I followed, which might inspire your own process:
Start with the Face
Begin by sketching a face. Use soft lines to outline the features and keep it loose—don’t aim for perfection. The key is to capture an expression or mood.
Blend in Nature
Start sketching flowers, leaves, or vines around the face. Let the florals interact with the face: a flower crown, petals flowing like hair, or vines wrapping gently around the neck.
Experiment with Composition
Think about balance. Does the face dominate, or do the flowers take centre stage? Play with asymmetry or let one element flow into another. This is where creativity takes over.
Add Texture and Detail
Use light shading to define the facial features and florals. Don’t be afraid to layer—combine pencil lines with watercolour washes or coloured pencils for a dynamic look.
Bringing the Sketch to Life in Mixed Media
Once I was happy with my sketches, I took them into the studio to transform them into a finished piece. Here’s how I approached it:
Pencil and Ink Base: I refined the face and flowers, emphasizing certain lines for clarity and contrast.
Watercolour Washes: I introduced soft pastel tones for the skin and vibrant hues for the flowers—pinks, purples, and lush greens.
Digital Enhancements: Scanning the artwork allowed me to add layered textures, subtle highlights, and metallic accents, giving the final piece depth and dimension.
The result is a mixed media art print that celebrates the connection between human expression and nature’s beauty.
A Statement Piece for Your Space
The final artwork is now available in my shop. This art print combines elegance and emotion, making it a perfect addition to any space that celebrates creativity, nature, or femininity. Printed on high-quality archival paper, ensuring vibrant colours and lasting quality.
Find Your Inspiration in Faces and Florals
Next time you feel creatively stuck, try looking at the natural world through a new lens. Pair the softness of human expression with the intricate details of flowers. Whether you sketch in the garden, at the park, or with a vase of blooms at your desk, let nature’s beauty guide your hand.
If you’d like to add this limited print or other nature-inspired prints to your collection, check out my shop here. I’d love to hear how nature inspires your work—share your thoughts or sketches in the comments below!
Happy sketching, and may your creativity continue to bloom.
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