Lots of Flower Power – Maria Pia Luly Jones is an artist who captures alpine nature in its purest form.

In a world that is often characterised by hecticness and uncertainty, nature blossoms as a radiant symbol of hope and renewal. The flower in particular, delicate and yet shattering, becomes an expression of silent resistance to the restlessness of our times. It reminds us that even in the most turbulent moments, beauty and grace can bring optimism.

The works of our artist today are more than an explosion of colour; they are a manifesto of elegance. With every brushstroke, she captures the natural beauty of the alpine landscape and transforms it into visual poems that are both refreshing and calming. Her art is like a walk through blooming meadows, an experience that revitalises the senses and nourishes the soul.

Let us immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of an artist who celebrates the timeless power of nature with passion and creativity.

Maria Pia, your works exude an unrivalled elegance and capture the beauty of nature in such a poetic way. What originally inspired you to dedicate yourself to botanical painting?

I was born with a pencil in my hand. Even as a child, I spent countless afternoons drawing and colouring. My mum always said it was the only way to keep me calm as I was quite lively (smiles). After my training at the renowned Via Ripetta art school in Rome, I deepened my knowledge at the Brera Academy in Milan. After completing my studies, I initially devoted myself with great dedication to the most important roles in my life: wife and mother. During these years, my time for painting diminished somewhat, but my passion for my family filled me just as beautifully. I devoted myself with love to the well-being of my loved ones, while the creative inspiration always lived on inside me. It wasn’t until 2011, when my daughter got older and I had more time for myself again, that I started painting again. For me, my watercolours are like children, I love them all. At exhibitions, I sometimes put stickers with ‘private collection’ on the works because I knew they would be particularly popular with the public. I find it hard to part with them.

Your technique is a harmonious combination of watercolour and pencil on the finest, heavy paper (850 g). Can you give us an insight into your creative process? Which flowers inspire you the most?

I love tulips, roses and irises – they are my favourites and I could never get tired of painting them. I’m particularly fond of the leaves; their veins are like little works of art in themselves. I like to lose myself in their details and find endless inspiration in them.

Your artwork can be found on fabrics, porcelain and in design projects. How do you differ in your approach to the various materials?

For me, there is no difference. Whether on silk, canvas or porcelain – my painting remains the same. Each work is scanned so that it can be transferred perfectly to the respective material. For upholstery fabrics, which are in great demand in art-loving Belgium, I work with a maximum of 12 colours to preserve the details. This number cannot be exceeded. For porcelain, I rely on the experienced hands of artists who work for brands such as Dior or Saint Laurent to realise my motifs precisely.

You have been sharing your passion with art lovers in courses in Bordighera (at the Museum Bicknell) and Camporosso, at Casterino, in the Principality of Monaco and La Brigue. What would you like to convey to your participants?

I want to show them how beautiful it is to experience moments of peace and joy surrounded by flowers. When we paint, we bring the flowers to life, make them dance – a little piece of paradise that gives us strength in our hectic everyday lives. It’s about feeling and preserving the elegance and grace of nature.

What future projects or dreams do you have in the world of floral art?

I would like to continue to dedicate myself to fabric design and expand my painting on scarves and textiles. I am particularly excited about my collaboration with l’Erbolario, which gives me the opportunity to explore my floral art in new media. My aim is to continually reinterpret and celebrate the beauty of flowers in their purest form.

Maria Pia, your works are an ode to nature and its timeless elegance. Thank you very much for this inspiring interview.

These floral masterpieces are not just a perfect gift for mums or best friends – they are a stylish statement that will delight us all.

All photos courtesy Maria Pia Luly Jones