Flower sculptures, or "shapes," are a specialty at REYNOLDS FLOWERS. Although complex and time-consuming, the process can actually be broken down to manageable steps, the first of which is to establish a small scale drawing. This "thumbnail" determines the proper proportions and angle the object will be sketched from. Sometimes three-dimensional, sometimes flat on, the smaller sketch is the determining factor in what the finished product will look like. From this work, I scale-up using the "grid method," transferring the sketch directly to dry styro board, then cut out the form. The remaining steps are entirely floral. I prefer to work with flowers in their natural state but when an item is just unavailable, I use specially formulated floral paints. There is not a color I can't make - even if there is no such flower. Each stem here on will be individually "picked" and the "sculpture" will be shaped as gradually as an elaborate cake or clay form. Generally speaking, any floral painting will be done before the blossoms are arranged. The background may be foliage or fluted ribbon. Final details such as line or minute objects are worked in to suggest scale and alignment, individually, on a piece-by-piece basis.
