Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.
–Vincent van Gogh

Healing Flowers Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Paintings

Vincent van Gogh’s Post-Impressionist paintings are some of the most revered in the world. Many of his works depict nature in its purest form and, of course, flowers play a big part. Not only are these paintings beautiful, but they are also comforting, as are flowers themselves.

(Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” January 1889)

Sunflowers—van Gogh’s series of sunflower paintings are, by far, his most well-known and adored. They were painted in the south of France (in Arles) in 1888 and 1889. According to one of van Gogh’s letters, the color yellow represented “gratitude.”

(“Oleanders,” 1888)

Oleanders—van Gogh’s 1888 depiction of the lush flowering shrub is not only aesthetically beautiful but interesting due to his placement of Émile Zola’s book, La Joie de Vivre (The Joy of Life, 1884) within the still life. This perfectly sums up the attitude of a nature lover as flowers truly are one of life’s great pleasures.

(“Irises,” 1889)

Irises—One of the loveliest flowers of springtime! Deep blue or purple irises are so vivid and powerful in color yet so delicate with leaves like tissue paper. Vincent van Gogh’s “Irises” painted in 1889 were done with admiration for the flower and is actually quite a joyful piece.

(“Almond Blossom” Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, February 1890)

Almond Blossoms—“Large blossom branches like this against a blue sky were one of Van Gogh’s favorite subjects.” Almond trees are some of the first trees to blossom in the spring, making them a symbol of life renewed. A tree bursting with white flowers is indeed one of the most beautiful and hopeful sights in all of nature.

(“Still Life: Vase with Pink Roses,” 1890, Saint-Rémy)

Roses: Pale pink roses may represent femininity, elegance, sweetness, and refinement. Like so much of his work, Vincent van Gogh painted these while in an asylum so the case can be made that beauty in nature rises above everything, even in the direst circumstances.

(“Vase with Hollyhocks,” 1886)

Hollyhocks (or “Alcea rosea”) are an old-fashioned favorite and a popular mid-summer bloomer. These flowers have sturdy stalks, can grow very tall, and they attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They are very popular near and around cottages as they complete any garden and are wonderful pollinators.

(“Imperial Fritillaries in a Copper Vase,” 1887, Paris)

Fritillaries or “Fritillaria” are a spring perennial in the lily family that grow from bulbs and are a unique choice of a gift or as an addition to one’s garden. With bell-shaped flowers, these flowers are exotic and come in a wide variety of colors.

Springtime Favorites at Chelsea Flowers

(“Bright and Colourful” bouquet)

For a sunflower fix, don’t hesitate to consider Chelsea Flowers’ “Bright and Colourful” Complete with red roses, eryngium, and bouvardia to complement vivid yellow sunflowers, this floral arrangement is sure to brighten anyone’s mood.

(“Glory of Easter” bouquet)

For irises, Chelsea Flowers’ “Glory of Easter” bouquet blends together springtime favorites in perfect harmony (including orange-yellow tulips and yellow carnations to complement the blue irises).

(“Baby Pink” bouquet)

For the perfect symbol of feminine elegance, Chelsea Flowers’ “Baby Pink” arrangement of pale pink roses (offset by white roses and gypsophila) is just what the doctor ordered!

For more information on Chelsea Flowers and the floral arrangements mentioned in this blog (along with sizing and prices, consult chelseaflowers.co.uk).

For more information on the flowers mentioned in this blog, along with Vincent van Gogh and his inimitable art, consult the websites mentioned below:
https://chelseaflowers.co.uk/product/glory-of-easter/
https://chelseaflowers.co.uk/product/bright-and-colourful/
https://chelseaflowers.co.uk/product/baby-pink/
http://www.vangoghletters.org/vg/letters/let740/letter.html
https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0031V1962
https://www.vincentvangogh.org/irises.jsp
https://www.vincentvangogh.org/oleanders.jsp
https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0176V1962?v=1
https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0187V1962
https://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/675/Vase-with-Hollyhocks.html