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Top Flower Paintings

May 5, 2016 by · Leave a Comment 

By Phineas Upham

Flower paintings are timeless. They serve as excellent studies for artists who create beautiful abstract artwork, often highlighting colors or geometric shapes. They are also a wonderful method of documentation for the natural world around us. From tulips to sakura blossoms, these paintings are some of the best the art world has to offer.

1643: Judith Leyster Picture of a Tulip

In the 1600s, the tulip was prohibitively expensive to own, so it was popular at the time for artists to recreate them for posterity purposes. As a result, tulip books, which catalogued various interpretations of the flower, became popular as well. Judith Leyster made tulips for various magazines, which seem to serve the purpose of being visually appealing.

1970: Andy Warhol’s Flowers

In signature Warhol style, Andy Warhol documented hibiscus blossoms. Warhol was known to turn frequently to flowers for inspiration,  including daisies and ikebanas. In the series began in 1964, Warhol used bright colors to make each petal stand out. The painting came from a photograph, and the photographer attempted to sue him during the making of the image.

1840: Hokusai

In this puzzling image, it’s difficult to discern which way is up. A bird sits perched atop a thin branch with beautiful spring cherry blossoms in full view. Is the image captured from below, or is the branch at an angle? This all contributes to a sense of floating through the image, where the blossoms and branches seem to jut out into space. Normally flat and abstract, this art from Japan is very precise and lifelike.


Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Facebook page.