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People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us. 

Iris Murdoch, British philosopher and novelist

Our obsession with flowers dates back probably to the beginning of time, but we can actually pinpoint (well, sort of) the development of floral art. The practice of botanical illustration begins sometime between 50 and 70 AD when an illustrated book De Materia Medica was created by a Greek botanist to help readers identify plant species for medicinal purposes. (mymodernmet.com) This and other books throughout time have illustrated herbs, flowers and plants that were edible or could be used to provide accurate images of plants so that they could be harvested and safely prepared for medicines and ointments.

To be certain, true botanical illustration emphasizes scientific record and accuracy in order to correctly identify a plant. Historically (and scientifically) botanical illustrations are created from live plants. Typically, such an illustration will include all aspects of the plant: petals, leaves, buds, stems, seeds, etc. It's interesting to note that over 90 percent of botanical illustrations are done in pen and ink or, in today's technologically advanced world, digitally.

Aesculus glabra, ink on paper by Leta Hughey, date unknown, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Collection, Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation

Beginning in the 15th century and continuing well into the current century, explorers and travelers collected drawings and paintings of "new" plants and flowers. (Note: currently this would more likely be "new to them" and in all likelihood they would be using a cell phone or sophisticated digital camera instead of ink to capture the image.)

The definition of botanical art according to Strategic Plan of the American Society of Botanical Artists is this: "Reflecting intimate knowledge and understanding of the subject based on firsthand observation by the artist."

For the purpose of this blog, however, I'm more focused on botanical art, which is a horse of a different color (or perhaps I should say "a rose of a different hue.") Botanical art should still be scientific and botanically accurate but is not expected to be as complete. In other words, a piece of art celebrating plants won't usually show the life cycle, the stem, fruit or seed and may even illustrate it in the environment in which it grows. (botanicalartandartists.com) It's more often in color than the strictly scientific illustration.

There's one more category of botanical art that is likely the arena we're all most familiar with. The website botanicalartandartists.com refers to it as flower painting or plant portraits. Here the artist has much more leeway in terms of creativity. The goal of the flower, tree or plant portraits is to create something beautiful with less scientific accuracy. You'll see far more of this kind of floral depiction in art galleries and museums across the globe.

Some of the world's best-loved art is flower images. Think of Vincent Van Gogh's sunflowers or Georgia O'Keefe's sensual blossoms. Manet, Monet and Gustave Klimt among many others frequently painted gorgeous flowers. Even Andy Warhol painted giant flowers as only he could do.

Contemporary artists such as Florent Stosskopf who lives and works in France incorporates flowers in his brilliantly colored, almost playful work.Se Jong Cho who lives and paints in Baltimore is an environmental engineer who turned to painting as a form of meditation and relaxation away from her work life. The result of her scientific background and experimental art is something out of fantasy movie. I encourage you to Google these and other contemporary artists who incorporate flowers and floral themes in their work.

Many, many more artists approach flowers and botanical subjects more realistically and subtly beautiful than artists like Stosskopf or Cho.

Flowers are a favorite subject for Gallery Moab artist and manager Peggy Harty who often incorporates them or makes them the focus of her pastel landscapes.

Claret Cup Cactus by Peggy Harty

Amber Honour often uses flowers juxtaposed with skulls found in the desert around Moab creating an exciting work of art. And Janet Buckingham, author of this blog, often takes a break from landscape painting to explore botanical art with watercolor and ink. For a real treat, check out Shari Michaud's portfolio (along with the other Gallery Moab artists) to see some really unique and fun flower paintings. (gallerymoab.com)

Ain't No Rest by Amber Honour

Rocky Mountain Columbine by Janet Buckingham

Queen of Cups by Shari Michaud

For another take on the floral theme, you might want to stop by Moab Museum during the month of May to see quilts by the local quilt guild, Delicate Stitchers. Their challenge this year was themed "Flower Power."And for a fun way to eat up an hour or two of time online, visit the Facebook page Illustrious Botanical Illustrationswhere you can see both contemporary and historical examples of botanical illustration and flower portraits.

There is no doubt flowers have the power to make us swoon with delight whether in a painting or a quilt, but flowers in nature and blooming wild in the desert are a specifical gift that lights up the world.