Masterpieces by Sam - The interview
Inspired by Monet
GB
Meet Samantha Wilhelm
Flowers are more than just a product to me: they are a means of expression, much like art.
I鈥檓 a true enthusiast of modern art, and I鈥檝e dedicated this series to that very theme. It鈥檚 an endless source of inspiration, especially the interplay of shapes, colors, and textures: elements I also bring into my floral creations. I pick up on trends quickly and instinctively, using them as guiding signals rather than strict rules. My work always starts from a place of emotion, with a strong sense of aesthetics and a layered message behind every design.
Impressionism with Samantha Wilhelm
Inspired by the iconic painting Impression, Soleil Levant by Claude Monet, Samantha Wilhelm created an abstract floral design that feels soft, powerful, and timeless.
With a subtle colour palette of peach, soft pink, and lilac, combined with deep reds, warm purples, and accents of bright blue, a harmonious unity of contrasts emerge
In the film, Sam takes you through her full creative process. Her eye for detail and sense of colour ensure that every creation tells a story.
Impressionisme by Sam
Step 1: Everything can inspireFor Sam, modern art is her greatest source of inspiration. It plays a central role in her creative process. Her tip? Make your world smaller to discover your creative power. Focus on what you love and what hobbies you have: use that as a starting point for your own path.
Step 2: Impressionism as a starting pointSam is especially inspired by Impressionism. Think abstract shapes, warm sunsets and dreamy flowers. These elements form the foundation of her work.
Step 3: Recycled container as the baseThe base of her creation is a recycled, waterproof metal container. For the structure, she uses mesh wire: resembling the even, rhythmic brushstrokes of Monet.
Step 4: Shaping the meshShe creates two hollow, round forms with the mesh and secures them with floral wire in the container. Under the mesh, she places ikebana pins to hold the flowers firmly in place.
Step 5: Water as a unifying elementThe water in the container links Monet鈥檚 painting with her floral design. It reflects both the atmosphere and the subject of the artwork.
Step 6: Analyse and interprettudy your source of inspiration carefully. First understand the 'rules' of the work, then you can break them consciously. Impressionism is all about emotion, with colour as the key. That鈥檚 why Sam begins with a colour analysis to support her choices and set the mood. Repetition, shape reduction, colour and texture are crucial.
Step 7: Building flower by flowerShe starts with the Juniperus and trims it for better form visibility. Every flower is firmly secured at two points. Sam works flower by flower to maintain overview and balance: often in asymmetrical groupings of two or three.
Step 8: Stay connected to your inspirationAlways stay in touch with your initial inspiration. Ask yourself: does it still match the feeling I wanted to express? Write down your ideas to check their feasibility. Does your idea align with Impressionist style? And how do you translate that into flowers?
Step 9: The design theory behind an artworkHow do you describe a piece of art in design terms? The answer lies in technical terms that visualise what you see. Sam sees her creation as decorative, the order type as asymmetrical, and the arrangement as overlapping. Each flower has its own role, and the movement is playful.
Stap 10: Groeperingen en contrastShe often uses asymmetrical groupings of two or three flowers, especially for the hydrangeas. She also applies reduction: for example, many delphiniums but few alliums. This creates balance in shape, direction, volume, motion, and contrast between active and passive elements.
Step 11: Colour use and symbolismThe spray roses symbolise the sunset. They are also a great example of different types of colour contrast:
鈥� Intrinsic colour contrast;
鈥� Quality contrast;
鈥� Light鈥揹ark contrast.
When dark flowers like deep red cosmos are added, the lighter rose changes tone鈥攋ust like the dark boats in Monet鈥檚 painting contrast with the light.
Step 12: The final resultSam brings all elements together in a floral creation that breathes the atmosphere of Monet鈥檚 painting. You can almost feel the mist and soft light of the sunset in the port of Le Havre, 1872.
Masterpieces by Sam
Masterpieces by Sam episode 2 "Retro Country"
Watch the episode
Masterpieces by Sam episode 3 "Art Nouveau"
Watch the episode
Sam explains
Masterpieces Celebrates 1 Year: Floral Art with a Global Touch
We use cookies (and similar technologies) to analyse your visits and personalise your purchasing experience. These cookies keep track of your preferences within and beyond our website. For example, if you previously viewed roses, we may highlight similar products or promotions the next time you open the app. By clicking 鈥榓ccept all鈥�, you agree to an optimal settings of these cookies. Adjusting your preferences can disadvantage your experience. Read our for more information.