If you have walked through a garden in the Canary Islands, you have probably seen it: a flower with sharp lines and vivid orange and blue, almost like a bird about to take flight. It is Strelitzia reginae, better known as the bird of paradise flower. Its unusual structure is what led me to paint it.
Where does the bird of paradise flower come from?
Strelitzia reginae is native to South Africa. It has adapted well to warm climates and has become a familiar presence in gardens across the Canary Islands. Its scientific name honours Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz; its common name comes from the flower’s resemblance to the head and crest of a tropical bird.
What does the bird of paradise flower symbolise?
In popular floral symbolism, the bird of paradise is associated with freedom, joy, optimism and good wishes. Those meanings are cultural rather than botanical, but they explain why the flower feels so energetic in a home or garden.
From flower to painting
My aim was not to make a botanical plate. I wanted to capture the gesture: the tension of the stems, the contrast between orange and blue, and the moment before the flower seems to open into flight. It became a way to reinterpret the plants around us through contemporary painting.
Living with botanical art
A work with strong colour can bring energy to a living room, entrance or workspace. Neutral walls give it room to breathe. More important than matching furniture is choosing an image that keeps making you stop and look.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the bird of paradise flower?
Because its flower resembles the head and crest of a tropical bird.
What is the origin of Strelitzia reginae?
It is native to South Africa and is now widely grown in warm regions, including the Canary Islands.
Is the Strelitzia painting still available?
No. It is a unique, signed original and has already found a home. Explore the current available original artworks.
Can I commission a flower-inspired artwork?
Yes. You can ask the studio about a work inspired by a particular plant through the commissions page.
I am María Betancor, an artist and sculptor in the Canary Islands. My work grows from observing the islands’ natural environment and our relationship with it.