Commissioning a Floral Family Portrait
What is a floral family portrait?
A floral family portrait is a painting (or collection of paintings) featuring flowers that represent each member of a family. The flowers might be connected to each person’s birth month, or just flowers that seem to fit his or her personality.
As a place to start, here’s a list of flowers associated with different months:
January: carnation, snowdrop, garnet, fir/elm/cypress trees
February: violet, primrose, amethyst, cypress/poplar/cedar/pine trees
March: daffodil, jonquil, aquamarine, weeping willow/lime tree/oak/hazelnut trees
April: daisy, sweet pea, diamond, rowan/maple/walnut trees
May: lily of the valley, hawthorn, emerald, poplar/chestnut/ash trees
June: rose, honeysuckle, pearl, ash/hornbeam/fig/birch/apple trees
July: larkspur, water lily, ruby, apple/fir/elm/cypress trees
August: gladiolus, poppy, peridot, cypress/poplar/cedar/pine trees
September: aster, morning glory, sapphire, weeping willow/lime/olive/hazelnut trees
October: marigold, cosmos, opal, rowan/maple/walnut trees
November: chrysanthemum, topaz, citrine, walnut/chestnut/ash trees
December: narcissus, holly, turquoise, hornbeam/fig/beech trees
A floral family portrait could include all the flowers together, like a bouquet. Or, it might be made up of individual smaller pieces—such as a small floral piece for each child. The latter is a good option if your family is still growing (like mine!).
What is a good occasion for a piece(s) like this? Who could I gift a piece to?
I personally think original art is such a special gift, and is appropriate for so many occasions. Here are some specific ideas to consider:
For someone who’s experienced miscarriage or loss. I originally thought of this idea to remember and honor the three babies I’ve lost to miscarriage. So, I think gifting a piece to honor
For new parents! A floral piece would look lovely in a nursery or child’s room. Adding the child’s name, birthdate, or even baptism date can make it something to cherish for years to come.
For someone in need of prayer. I’ll write more on this in another post, but the practice of offering a “spiritual bouquet” is a lovely way to show support to someone who’s going through a difficult time.
Can you paint one for me or someone I love?
Yes, I’d love to create a meaningful piece(s) for you! I’ve put together a few listings for pieces ranging in size from 3.5x5 inches (mini) to 9x12 inches (large). These listings are for florals in a looser style. In the listings, you’ll see options for how many flowers you’d like. And you can customize your piece even more by adding a name to the front or a message/prayer on the back.
If you’re looking for a bigger size or a different subject matter (i.e. not florals), please email me to talk details.
What happens after I order a piece?
At checkout, you can include more details about what you’re hoping for your piece(s). For example, you can tell me what flowers you want, what colors you prefer, and importantly, when you’d like your finished piece in hand.
I’ll email you back with any clarifying questions and final details. Within a few days, I’ll send you a rough compositional sketch for your approval. After I get the OK, I’ll get to work, using my creative judgement to create a piece(s) to fit your vision.
Please allow 2-4 weeks + shipping time. If you need something quicker, just email me to inquire about my availability!