Focus on what fascinates you
Art is a completely personal experience. There is no right or wrong subject to paint. Choose whatever your favorite flower is, whatever part of the plant that is interesting to you, in whatever stage of life or decay is consistent with what you want to represent. Your personal perspective is what will make your art unique, so the goal is to find your own voice and nurture what you love about plants.
For example, some flowers are strong and hardy, while others are dainty and delicate. Consider the juxtaposition of painting something that is strong, resilient, but also aesthetically pleasing. Look at simple versus complex species, such as the genus Banksia. Discover flowers from other countries like South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand that are unique to you.
Are you drawn to subtle or strong colors? Do you paint for others or to decorate the walls of your own home? Plant portraits can liven up any décor, so there can be an element of interior design in selecting a subject.
Essentially, anything can be the subject of a painting—the buds, leaves, stems, seeds, fruits, or flowers. You can zoom into a specific part of the plant or zoom out to show a distant view. The idea is to open yourself up to what is intriguing about the plant, and that may be something different for everyone.
In general, plant portraits are less scientifically accurate than botanical illustrations. The focus isn’t exclusively on documenting the plant for scientific study, but rather to convey its impression on you as an artist. Plant portraits can be either loose or highly detailed, depending on your own aesthetic, goals, and artistic abilities.
EXPERT TIP: Instead of mimicking other artists’ work, try to discover what looks right to you.