Flowers have a history that dates back to the very beginning of our existence. They play a vital role in nature and in our lives. All forms of art have been influenced by flowers, including painting, sculpture, poetry, books, music, ceramics, and many other artistic mediums. Modern research reveals that looking at paintings of "flowers stimulate the nervous system, promoting an enhanced feeling of well-being.

Artist Gloria Lee's new painting series, Floral Splendor, celebrates the giving life force of the flower. Loose brush strokes, simple forms, and vibrant, contrasting colors characterize her art. Rejecting the careful shading and color transitions of botanical illustrations in favor of a fresh look, she candidly declares the role of artistic interpretation to be more important than careful accuracy. Lee paints what she feels. She paints her emotions, her passions, and her interpretation of what the flowers represent.

After 40 years of artistic exploration, Lee has a working knowledge of color application and balance. Whether she is working in a modern "Pop" style, abstraction, realism, or impressionism, she begins with an observation of feeling or mood of the subject. She applies her colors with a sensitive hand and utilizes textures to help create a mood. Lee's variety of brushstrokes evokes a strong emotion and, by changing the direction of brushstrokes, she is able to add character, movement, energy, and life to the painting.

The artist states, "How I paint is not nearly as important as how the viewer feels about what they see. If they are not uplifted or inspired, the art is worthless, in my opinion." Lee is an artist that has realized success on many levels. She is the creator of POP DOGS, a line of over 50 breed-specific dog paintings. Gloria has conducted dozens of personal exhibitions across the United States, from the New York Art Expo and Los Angeles gift shows, to San Diego's ArtWalk festivals. Her ongoing list of celebrity collectors includes Oprah, Drew Barrymore, Paris Hilton, and many others. Another successful body of art, Bella Hearts, was created as collaborative work of three generations, including Gloria, her daughter Ruth-Ann, and four year-old granddaughter Isabella.

Many enjoy the Floral Splendor series as each painting is vibrant, uplifting, and truly magnificent. The colors seem to create a joyous choir filled with harmony and happiness. Each painting is timeless and crosses cultural boundaries. Floral Splendor is a visual display of what is needed when words fail to convey the ideals of love, light, and hope.

Gloria Lee

Purple Rain