Paint Still Life with Flowers using Acrylics

This is a how-to guide for painting a still life with flowers in acrylics — but with a twist. No music in the studio, just the rhythm of the brush. Loose, expressive, and very much garage-artist style.

Loose and expressive acrylic still life painting of flowers in a vase

Before I get into my story, let's just say this is a how to guide for painting an acrylic still life with flowers. There, now that the SEO gods are happy I'll share some studio nuggets that won't really help your art, but you may find it entertaining.

When I’m in the studio, I don’t play music. Truthfully, I don’t even like music when I’m driving — it just feels distracting. Plus, there's something rhythmical and satisfying about the sound of a loaded brush hitting canvas or paper.

To me, that is music. Every stroke has a beat. Every mark sets the rhythm. Honestly, the sound of painting flowers beats Led Zeppelin blaring through a garage with bad echo. That’s the vibe I want to share in this lesson. We’re going to paint a still life with flowers using acrylics — loose, expressive, and very much garage-artist style.

Thumbnail sketches of floral still life compositions for acrylic painting
Thumbnail sketches of floral still life compositions for acrylic painting
This study illustrates how working on arrangement of shapes impact composition
This study illustrates how working on arrangement of shapes impact composition
Loose and expressive acrylic painting of flowers in a vase on paper
The finished piece in all it's glory

Learn & Improve Your Acrylic Skills

Looking for my full painting courses? Get instant access here

Recommended Acrylic Painting Materials