Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Roberts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Roberts.

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I first fell in love with art in high school. At my rural high school, the two elective choices available to me were art class or FFA. On a coin flip, I chose art class and quickly discovered a new passion. But I didn’t think anyone could make a living doing art, so for years, I worked traditional full-time jobs as an engineer, data analyst, and geophysicist until a recent move for my husband’s job allowed me to start my own small business.

I’ve always loved flowers, so it was natural to combine my love for art and flowers into a business idea and Flower Girl Paintings was born. Over the past year, I’ve painted dozens of paintings, set up an LLC, and opened an Etsy shop where I offer prints and original paintings. My art is motivated by my wonderment at the intricacy and incredible complexity of nature, which I believe testifies to the existence of a creator God.

I want my art to foster an appreciation for beauty and exploration of the outdoors. I photograph wildflowers everywhere I go and compose works of art to show off the quiet majesty of these most original pieces of art. While I paint only flowers now, I have plans to branch out to more nature-themed subject matter in the future: butterflies, moths, fossils, etc.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a bumpy, albeit rewarding road! Early on I struggled to find my painting style and medium. I first tried painting small acrylic paintings, but I’ve since found my style in larger, highly detailed watercolors.

Another struggle was allowing myself to find excuses to not open the Etsy shop. While I’ve been painting for nearly a year now, I put off opening my Etsy shop for nearly seven months thinking I wasn’t “ready”. But I’ve learned the hardest part is just starting, and everything is easier once you get past that.

My most recent challenge has been learning how to photograph my work. It’s surprisingly difficult to balance capturing details, finding just the right level of natural light, and achieving focus across the artwork

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Subject matter-wise I specialize in painting flowers of all kinds: wildflowers, garden flowers, state flowers, and birth month flowers. In all of my paintings, I aim for a combination of features: vintage natural science illustration-level of detail, dramatic compositions including swirling leaves and petals, vibrant colors, and a garden of Eden-like perfection with unmarred flowers, seed pods, and foliage.

My painting style, attention to detail, and subject matter make my work uniquely different. I’m most proud of the body of paintings I’ve done so far, and the first few custom orders I’ve received. I think as an artist it’s important to truly like your work first, then it’s icing on the cake when somebody else likes it too!

What do you think about happiness?
I experience different shades of practical happiness throughout the stages of a painting. The blank paper stage gives me a thrill of excitement at the prospect of what the piece can become and the fun of a new technical challenge. The middle stage gives me the quieter happiness of continuing to build upon something and seeing the personality of the piece begin to show through.

The end-stage gives me a triumphant joy if the painting pleases me, or a resolve to improve upon whatever displeases me which is its kind of happiness too. On a deeper level, I derive happiness in showcasing the beauty of flowers which might be easily missed in a busy life and keeping this beauty fresh in and out of season.

Additionally, I experience a profound sense of gratitude that people enjoy looking at my art. Every encouraging comment on my art from friends and family, every like on social media, and every purchase from my Etsy shop continually fuels me to paint more and better.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowergirlpainting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowergirlpaintings

Image Credits
Zane Roberts