Lynne Woods

You describe art as an unexpected turning point during a difficult period in your life. What first encouraged you to begin painting?

I never expected painting to become such an important part of my life. It was illness that unexpectedly led me to discover my passion for painting. At a time when the pressures on both my physical and mental health felt insurmountable, I sought both an escape and a sense of purpose. I attended Project Ability in Glasgow, a wonderful art charity, initially hoping simply to occupy my time. I quickly discovered that painting gave me something much more valuable. It allowed me to express emotions that were difficult to put into words and became a place where I could focus on possibility rather than limitation. What began as trying to get through one day at a time gradually became a passion that continues to shape my life.

Lynne Woods | Red Peony | 2026

How has your creative practice changed your relationship with your physical and emotional well-being?

Painting has transformed me in ways I never expected. I still experience many days when my body or mind feel overwhelmed, but when I paint those difficulties become lighter. My focus shifts entirely to colour, light and form, and for a while I can simply exist in the creative process. It has given me confidence, hope and a renewed sense of identity. Rather than defining myself by illness, I have discovered another part of myself through art.

Painting offers you peace, purpose and hope. How do these feelings influence the way you approach a new work?

I try not to begin with the aim of producing a perfect painting. Instead, I paint with curiosity, openness and playfulness, allowing the process itself to guide me. Each painting becomes an opportunity to be mindful. I have began to appreciate beauty that can often be overlooked. I am also learning to be patient, as I find some pieces just need a little time to settle before finding the path they want to take. I try to let each piece develop naturally rather than forcing it. There are also times when I find myself painting more frantically, often led by whatever is happening in my mind at the time. For me, the experience of painting is just as important as the finished work. Painting, for me, is all about feelings. I paint from the heart, and that is what leads me to the subject. It has to be meaningful.

Lynne Woods | Pink Peony | 2026

Your work explores both beauty and resilience. What does resilience mean to you personally and artistically?

Resilience isn’t about never struggling. To me, it is about continuing to search for beauty, meaning and kindness even during difficult times. My paintings often celebrate subjects that appear delicate, yet possess remarkable strength. Flowers bloom despite unpredictable weather, with nature quietly renewing itself year after year. With just a little care, they can become stronger and truly thrive. I find comfort in those parallels, and I hope my work reflects the quiet resilience that so many people carry within themselves. Beauty can exist on the darkest days.

What draws you to peonies, and what qualities or emotions do these flowers represent in your work?

Before becoming an artist, I owned a flower shop with my sister. Some of my happiest memories are from those years, surrounded by flowers every day. She continues to inspire me with her kindness, creativity and love of nature. Peonies have an extraordinary presence. Their soft layers unfold slowly, revealing both strength and fragility at the same time. I am fascinated by their structure, colour and constantly changing forms. While painting them, I found myself reflecting on grace, hope and perseverance. They became symbols of finding beauty during periods when my own life felt anything but beautiful. Their fleeting nature also reminds me to appreciate moments of joy while they are here.

Lynne Woods | Amanda Gorman | 2024

Your paintings combine careful observation with a strong emotional quality. How do you balance realism with your own personal interpretation of the subject?

I have always been drawn to flowers. Years of working as a florist taught me to notice the small details that make every bloom unique. I enjoy observing my subjects closely because I believe careful attention reveals details that might otherwise be missed. However, I don’t paint simply to reproduce what I see. Colour, light, atmosphere and composition are all used to communicate how the subject felt to me emotionally. I hope viewers recognise the flower itself while also sensing the emotions and reflections that developed throughout the painting process.

What do you hope viewers experience when they spend time with your work?

Above all, I hope people pause. In everyday life we often move so quickly that we overlook moments of quiet beauty. If someone spends a little longer with one of my paintings and feels a sense of calm, hope or connection, then I feel the work has achieved something meaningful. If my journey also encourages someone facing their own challenges to believe that healing and creativity are possible, that would mean even more.