Introducing “Sketches from the Garden”: A New Collection Inspired by Simplicity

As an artist, every collection I create tells a story—one that’s deeply connected to my personal journey and artistic inspiration. I’m thrilled to introduce my latest collection, Sketches from the Garden, a series of 18 original floral paintings that celebrate the beauty of simplicity, nature, and cherished memories.

Original Still Life Milk Bottle Portraits in Oil

The Inspiration Behind Sketches from the Garden

This collection is born from my ongoing fascination with capturing memories through art. Each painting in Sketches from the Garden is a tribute to the moments we hold close: the scent of a flower from a loved one’s garden, the memory of a summer day, or the feeling of peace found in nature. Just like how certain flowers evoke powerful emotions, these paintings aim to offer a visual representation of those fleeting moments.

I drew inspiration from the simple sketches of Picasso—an artist who had the remarkable ability to capture the essence of a subject with just a few lines. That same minimalist approach is reflected in Sketches from the Garden, where the flowers are stripped back to their purest form, allowing their beauty and emotional resonance to take center stage. The collection offers a simplified version of my original Milk Bottle portraits in oil, distilling the essence of the floral form into a pure, elegant sketch.

About the Collection: Medium and Technique

The Sketches from the Garden collection features 18 acrylic and oil paintings, each created on handmade Japanese paper. This paper, made from 100% cotton and produced using a thousand-year-old tradition, has a soft, cold-pressed texture that allows for an incredible tactile experience. Each sheet is unique, with subtle variations in texture that add depth to every piece.

The technique used in this collection is one of the things I’m most excited to share. I’ve paired acrylic paint with heavily molded oil, carving illustrations of flowers into the creamy white oil paint. Each painting depicts a single bloom displayed in a sentimental milk bottle vase—a motif that has become a signature element in my work and reflects the simplicity and nostalgia that I try to capture. The flowers in these paintings are ones I have painted before and loved, making them deeply personal.

The Color Palette: Periwinkle and Celadon

Color plays a key role in this collection, offering a soothing backdrop to the intricate floral details. Drawing off my new logo and branding, Nine of the paintings feature a serene blue background, while the other nine have a calming green background. These colors evoke a sense of peace and timelessness, allowing the viewer to connect with the quiet beauty of each piece.

The contrast between the soft backgrounds and the creamy white carved flowers creates a harmonious balance that invites you to pause, reflect, and feel. The result is a collection that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.

Why Handmade Japanese Paper?

I chose Nujabi paper for Sketches from the Garden because of its rich history and unique qualities. Handmade sheet by sheet, this paper offers a texture unlike any other. Its softness and minimal sizing make it ideal for both drawing and light washes of paint. This delicate surface allows the flowers in each piece to stand out, giving the paintings a raw, natural beauty.

The handmade nature of the paper adds to the overall essence of the collection—an exploration of tradition, memory, and the art of simplicity.

Framing Ideas for 5×7 works on paper

A Collection of Memories

At its core, Sketches from the Garden is about connection: connection to nature, to the past, and to the emotions that certain memories evoke. The carved floral illustrations remind us that beauty can be found in even the simplest of forms, and that memories—like flowers—are worth preserving.

Each piece in this collection offers a unique opportunity for the viewer to create their own emotional connection to the artwork, whether it’s through a favorite flower or a color that sparks a memory.

Sketches from the Garden: Where to Find It

I am so excited to share that Sketches from the Garden will be available starting October 17th, both online and at my upcoming art shows. A portion of the proceeds from this collection will be donated to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, a cause close to my heart.

Whether you’re looking for a new piece of art to brighten your home or searching for a meaningful gift, this collection offers a variety of one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to resonate with art lovers and collectors alike.

Shop the Collection:

You can explore and shop the entire Sketches from the Garden collection [here]. Each painting is original and comes with a story, ready to bring a touch of beauty and nostalgia to your space.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Simplicity and Beauty

Sketches from the Garden is a deeply personal collection that speaks to the power of art to evoke emotion, memory, and connection. With its minimalist approach and focus on nature’s simple beauty, this collection is a celebration of the quiet moments that make life meaningful.

I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I loved creating it. Thank you for being part of my journey as an artist, and I look forward to sharing more moments with you through my work.

email hello@melmiddleton.com for more information