Summer Blooms

A Celebration of Roses, Sea and Sandy Soil

You know that feeling when summer just hits differently? When the light is golden, the air smells like salt and roses, and everything feels a bit more alive? That's exactly what I wanted to capture with "Summer Blooms," and honestly, I'm so thrilled with how this little 35x35cm piece turned out.

The Inspiration: Where Garden meets Sea

This painting started, as so many of my works do, with me standing in my garden with my cup of tea, completely mesmerized by the pink roses growing against our fence. They're these gorgeous, soft things—not the perfect florist roses, but the ones that are a bit wild and utterly glorious. The pink was so saturated and beautiful, and I kept thinking about how that color sits next to the deep blue of the sea when I walk down to the beach.

I'm absolutely obsessed with the coast. Living near the water means I'm constantly influenced by those incredible blues and turquoises, and I knew I wanted them as the foundation of this piece. But here's the thing—it's not just about pretty colors for me. It's about capturing a feeling, a moment, an essence. The browns you see in the painting? They're my nod to the sandy soil in my garden, that earthy base that everything grows from. It grounds the whole composition and stops it from being too sweet.

The Creative Process: Fresh and Spontaneous

The creative process for "Summer Blooms" was relatively spontaneous compared to some of my other work. I worked in layers, but not as many as I sometimes do—I wanted to keep that fresh, immediate energy. I started with the blue background, letting it be bold and confident. Then I built up those organic, rounded forms in pinks and corals, letting them dance across the canvas. The yellows came last, adding that sunny, joyful punch.

Summer blooms abstract

Why Organic Shapes?

The rounded, organic shapes are very much my signature at the moment. I'm drawn to forms that feel natural and flowing rather than geometric or rigid. There's something about curves and soft edges that feels more human, more connected to the natural world I'm so inspired by.

This piece has quite a playful energy to it. The composition is rhythmic—your eye moves around the canvas, discovering new relationships between the shapes. I wanted it to feel uplifting, the kind of painting that makes you smile when you walk past it. Perfect for bringing that summer feeling into your home all year round.

The Final Thought

I think what I'm most pleased about with "Summer Blooms" is how it captures that intersection of garden and sea that defines where I live and what I love. It's not trying to be anything other than a celebration of color, nature, and joy. And honestly? We could all use a bit more of that in our lives.

If you're drawn to vibrant colors, coastal living, or just want something that brings a bit of sunshine into your space, this one's for you. It's available now on my Bluethumb gallery, and I'd absolutely love to know what you think of it!