Dahlia Flowers No. 1 Abstract Expressionist Floral Painting Susan Havens

Details

Description

A contemporary interpretation of a classic floral arrangement balances expressive color with a softened, desaturated palette. Set against a muted … Read more A contemporary interpretation of a classic floral arrangement balances expressive color with a softened, desaturated palette. Set against a muted teal green ground, richly layered blooms in deep crimson, ruby, and plum tones gather loosely above a grounded, hand-thrown vessel—creating a composition that feels both energetic and composed.

The flowers are built through loose, gestural linework and layered pigment, with soft edges and tonal variation that give the bouquet depth without heaviness. Subtle shifts in saturation—rather than high contrast—allow the color to feel warm and lived-in, aligning with a more restrained, midcentury-inspired sensibility. Small accents of brighter pink and green punctuate the surface, adding movement while maintaining an overall calm.

Anchoring the composition, the vase carries a tactile, pottery-like presence. Its rounded form and painterly surface add weight and material contrast beneath the airy Dahlia blooms above.

This piece bridges traditional floral subject matter with a more subdued, contemporary palette—making it a natural fit for interiors that favor warmth, texture, and understated color.

• Original painting, one of one.
• On paper and unframed. 2024
• Artist: Susan Havens
• Size: 18" x 24" (Art area 15" x 20" with white border)
• Colors: Desaturated Green, Crimson, Plum, Soft Pink

–––––––— Artist Bio —–––––––––––––––––––
Susan Havens is a New Orleans–based artist who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. With over 27 years of experience as a graphic designer, art director, and creative director, her work reflects a refined understanding of composition, color, and visual storytelling. Her artwork is held in private collections and has been placed in residences by interior designers, as well as featured at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. See less