Flowers have been included in paintings since ancient times. Flowers were often included as bordering designs on vases or as a link to a deity. Both the red rose and red anemone are associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The Aztec goddess Xochiquetzal was often depicted carrying a bouquet of flowers. Since the ancient times, flowers continue to hold a sense of importance and complexity. Some of the most famous paintings in the world, such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers or most paintings by Georgia O'Keefe, contain this dynamic and rich element.
Flowers are dynamic and intricate pieces of nature, and their various complexities cannot always be fully depicted on a two-dimensional surface. Three-dimensional sculpture can show what paintings often cannot, a view of the flower from every angle. Flower sculptures can be made from metal, wood, clay, glass, plastic or mixed media elements. Sculptures can also be made completely of flowers.
The growth of the high-powered digital camera has led to incredibly beautiful and detailed images of flowers. While in paintings, flowers were valued for their links to gods or symbolism, flowers in photography are valued for their aesthetic beauty, vast color range and complex patterns. These elements produce vivid and charismatic images. Once uploaded on a computer, images can also be manipulated through photo-editing programs to create highly stylized photos.
Embroidery is the art of creating patterns out of different colored threads and a piece of fabric. This may be on a dress, quilt or decorative fabric item. Flower embroidery gained much popularity in Hungary and Poland as well as England and China. There are several styles of embroidery. You can also purchase pre-made embroidered flowers and stitch them onto fabric items. While embroidery typically cannot produce highly detailed flower images, it remains a popular hobby.