This Feminine Floral Art Collection will Blow your Mind

I’ve lost my mind over local artist Patricia Mendes and I’m not sure I’ll get it back anytime soon. I don’t even want it back. The works available in her online store, 4 The Luv, are so mind-blowing you probably won’t gets yours back after viewing either.

An art style that I can only describe as feminine, floral, fashion-y and fabulous, Patricia has been selling her work since 2016 to a very happy customer base. And here’s the good news: not only do you get to ooh and ahh over it in today’s post, but I’ve teamed up with Patricia to give a piece away. Details on how you can win further down.

But truly, I’ve always said that the best art is art you find tough to explain your love for. It just captivates you. It has an effect on the way you feel. You can’t quite put your finger on why you find it so phenomenal, but you just have to have it. That’s how I feel about Patricia’s work. And I’m sure you’re going to feel the same way.

I caught some time with this talented lady and former fashion designer to get the lowdown on how the stunning works you see here came to be. And I reckon you’ll find it pretty inspiring.

The ‘Aha’ Moment that Birthed a Brand

“I began mixing my fashion illustration portraiture with a bit more realism,” Patricia tells me, of how the style of art was born three years ago. “Last year I took quite a leap of faith and added layers of painted texture to my works and it was the right move. It has been a challenge though, as a creative business in art, not to be influenced by trends completely or inspired by others work”.

After leaving her life in the fashion world behind thanks to the arrival of two unexpected babies, Patricia tells me that her creativity got put on the back-burner while she raised her little ones. She tells me that in the process, she feels she lost herself for a time. But it was an ‘aha’ moment that changed everything.

“I was trying to teach my kids that they could be anything they wanted to be. And that they don’t have to fit in those square boxes society sometimes makes for you,” Patricia explains. “And yet I wasn’t doing exactly that. I believe we teach through action, so I took action and began creating”.

Not knowing what was going to come of it, Patricia got to sketching and found that the creativity just kept coming and coming. It was at this moment she knew she was on the right path not only artistically, but vocationally too.

“Even if it doesn’t work out I will always know i did it; I created and stepped out of that box I had built myself, and in doing so I hope to inspire others to be true to themselves”.

I love everything about this aha moment and Patricia’s approach to life, don’t you?!

“I was trying to teach my kids that they could be anything they wanted to be, and that they don’t have to fit in those square boxes society sometimes makes for you,” Patricia explains. “And yet I wasn’t doing exactly that. I believe we teach through action, so I took action and began creating”.

From Her Home to House Rules

It’s been a pretty wild ride for Patricia since she took that leap of faith. Deciding to tap back into her creativity and offer her works up to the world has truly paid off. Last year, Urban Road was fortunate enough to collaborate with her on an artwork called ‘Breathless’. It made it onto Channel 7’s popular reno reality show, House Rules. And it made for quite the pinch-me moment for the Queensland artist.

Outside of breathless, Patricia tells me that her Luna artwork (pictured below), is one of her iconic sellers.

“I call her my colour explosion,” Patricia says. “I went from a complete irrational fear of using different mediums and colour to using almost every colour available to me. And I have yet to have any other work outsell her. She took me me far beyond what I through myself capable of”.

I can see why. An explosion of hue against a moody black backdrop means the piece works in a variety of interior design schemes. From luxe to tropical, contemporary to industrial, it’s a versatile piece with a soft yet powerful vibe. And who doesn’t love a floral?

As you’d imagine with anything creative, some artworks come together quickly. Others take far longer. Some even end up on the scrap heap, deemed to never see the light of day.

“Artist block is a constant, and heavily highlighted by deadlines,” Patricia admits. “It’s so fascinating to me how that inner voice can be so loud that you can barely hear yourself. But nothing a good walk on the beach or Netflix binge can’t fix”.

The Hustle is Deep but the Inspiration is Deeper

Creating her feminine floral art is no side hustle for Patricia. It’s her full-time job outside of being a mum. And she does admit that there are challenges to contend with.

“Art is my only source of income, and this was only because I had chosen to be a stay home mum,” she explains. “In hindsight I do think having a secure job would be of great benefit to anyone starting out. Nothing snuffles out creativity quite like money worries and numbers”.

While she does admit that running the online store comes with its learning curves – from marketing to SEO and beyond – there are blessings too. Patricia tells me that it’s been a plus to learn so many of the skills it takes to run your own business. Especially when it’s a one-woman show.

The hard work is paying off for this talented creative, and I couldn’t be more pleased to see her business and brand succeeding. Talent, hustle, and the courage to pursue her dreams got her there. And a positive, can-do attitude always helps.

“If I have learnt anything it’s that you never know when an amazing opportunity will pop up and take your work to that next level. But always put your hand up”.

Amen to that!

Win Your Choice of A3 Print

Love what you see here? There are SO many more feminine floral art pieces available on the 4 The Luv website. Patricia has been kind enough to give away a framed A3 print of your choice. How bloody kind is she!?

To enter to win a framed A3 print of your choice:

• Simply click here to visit the 4 The Luv website
• Scroll through the collection and pick your fave design
• Come back here and drop a comment below naming your fave and why

PLEASE NOTE THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WAS KARA JACKSON.

Comp open to Aus residents only. Comp closes 11.59pm Friday March 8.