Over the centuries many artists have been compelled to paint flowers due to their alluring beauty. But this is not the exclusive reason for artists to choose to paint flowers. Flower symbolism has been used in paintings over many years to convey specific meanings or moods.

Cherry Blossoms have been painted for centuries by Japanese artists because of their special significance. The flower blooms for three weeks of the year in Japan and during this time it's magnificent beauty seizes the Japanese landscape. Within a short period of time the beauty begins to fade as the blossoms fall. The fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom represents the brief nature of life. The color of the blossoms and their delicate form symbolizes simplicity and purity.

Vincent Van Gogh has immortalized the Sunflower through his paintings. Sunflowers held deep meaning for Van Gogh. He painted a series of sunflowers at different stages of life. The vibrant yellow color of the sunflower in full bloom symbolized happiness. However, the contrasting arid browns used to paint the wilting sunflower symbolized death. By using the sunflower he was able to convey the natural cycle of life and death.