The Art of Abstract Botanical Elements

Second article in the “Finding Geometry in Nature” series

As a Polish-British artist based in Southend-on-Sea, I’ve spent years developing my unique approach to abstracting botanical elements. In this second article of our series, I’ll share my techniques for transforming familiar flora into contemporary geometric art pieces that capture the essence while creating something entirely new.

The Essence of Botanical Abstraction

When I look at a dandelion or forget-me-not in the fields around Southend, I don’t just see the flower—I see potential for geometric interpretation. The process of botanical abstraction involves:

Observation and Deconstruction
- Studying the natural structure of plants
- Identifying core geometric shapes within organic forms
- Noting how light interacts with different parts of the plant
Geometric Translation
- Converting organic curves into defined lines and shapes
- Simplifying complex structures while maintaining recognizable elements
- Finding the balance between abstraction and representation

My Technique: From Observation to Creation

Step 1: Field Studies

I begin with observational sketches of local British flora, focusing on structural elements rather than realistic rendering. For my Spring 2025 collection featuring dandelions and forget-me-nots, I spent hours studying how these plants grow, move, and interact with their environment.

Step 2: Geometric Breakdown

Next comes the analytical phase—breaking down organic forms into basic geometric shapes:

Dandelion seed heads become perfect circles with radiating triangular patterns
Forget-me-not petals transform into pentagon arrangements
Stems become clean, deliberate lines rather than organic curves

Step 3: Compositional Planning

The arrangement of these geometric elements follows principles of:

Balance and asymmetry
Negative space utilization
Pattern repetition and variation
Color blocking for visual impact

Step 4: Color Theory Application

My signature approach to color in botanical abstractions involves:

Limiting palettes to 3-5 colors per piece
Using high contrast for visual impact
Employing unexpected color combinations that still evoke the original plant
Creating seasonal variations of the same geometric structure

Case Study: The Dandelion Series

My recent “White Cat with Dandelions” collection demonstrates this process perfectly. What began as field sketches of common dandelions transformed into:

Geometric interpretations of both bloom and seed head stages
Clean, precise circular forms with radiating elements
A spring palette that evokes the season without literal representation
The juxtaposition of geometric cat forms against botanical elements

Technical Considerations

When creating your own abstract botanical art, consider:

Medium selection: Acrylic offers clean edges ideal for geometric work
Tool choices: Using masking techniques for precise geometric edges
Surface preparation: How texture affects geometric precision
Scale variation: How the same geometric pattern changes at different sizes

Contemporary Context

In 2025, botanical abstraction has evolved to embrace:

Minimalist approaches that reduce plants to their most essential forms
Bold geometric interpretations that maintain botanical recognition
The fusion of traditional Art Nouveau influences with contemporary minimalism
Sustainable approaches to materials and subjects

Looking Forward

As we continue exploring geometric approaches to nature, the next article will examine how seasonal changes influence abstract interpretations and how to create cohesive collections that capture the essence of British flora throughout the year.

What elements of your local environment might you transform through geometric abstraction? The possibilities are endless when you begin to see the hidden geometry in every petal and leaf.