Recently, I have kindly been gifted a copy of Sun-Kyong Clifford’s new book, Fabulous Flowers. It’s a brand-new publication released earlier this month, so I have been truly excited to have a chance to sit down, read and draw some of the twenty stunning subjects within the publication.

Beyond its truly capturing visual appeal, I was instantly engaged with the content of the book. Specifically, I really enjoyed Sun’s extra information about the meaning of each flower.

“The Crocus can symbolise hope and new beginnings, such as the transition from dark to light, night to day, and the coming of a new dawn”.

This small touch added a sense of depth to the book and encouraged me to think more about the subjects beyond their appearance. Plants have a rich history, which is nice to think about and sometimes overlooked.

The Learning

The book shares a detailed introduction to the tools and techniques required to make the most from the tutorials. I found it helpful that the recommended products were affordable and encouraged readers to buy select, useful tools rather than colours and other items that have limited use in true botanical art.

Sun supplemented each tutorial and technique with helpful videos, accessed via QR codes on each page. These are sped up, allowing you to see the steps in quick action.

What I Liked

The subject choices in the book truly make it undeniably beautiful. From red roses to yellow daffodils, I believe any artist could find something they enjoy. Like other books I have appreciated, Fabulous Flowers arranges the projects in difficulty order, allowing beginners to start with simpler pieces to gain skills and confidence.

Recommendations

If you appreciate flowers and the art of coloured pencils, this book should be next on your reading list!

If you prefer sped-up, no talking video guidance the additional QR codes are beneficial for visual learning. If not, I would recommend sticking to the written steps in the book.

Final Thoughts

Reading Fabulous Flowers has been such an enjoyable experience and I know it’s a book I’ll be reaching for again. It feels like Sun has shared not just her artistic talent, but also her love of flowers into every page. The mix of practical tips, thoughtful guidance and little snippets about the symbolism of each bloom really made me slow down and appreciate the flowers and their meaning.

As someone who enjoys both drawing and learning about the nature and botanicals, I found myself inspired to look at flowers differently. Beyond their colours and shapes, to contemplate the stories and meanings they carry. That unique connection is what sets this book apart for me.

If you’re looking for a gentle push to pick up your coloured pencils, or simply want a creative project that celebrates the beauty of nature, Fabulous Flowers is a lovely companion. I’m so grateful to have it on my shelf and can’t wait to work my way through every flower inside. Thank you for sharing it with me Sun!

If this sounds like the kind of creative inspiration you’ve been looking for, you can find Fabulous Flowers here on Amazon.