Sunflower Painting

Francesca Licchelli is a contemporary painter whose work bridges classical realism and modern macro-botanical art. Trained in traditional drawing and academic oil techniques, she builds each painting through a deep study of form, light, and structure — a foundation that shapes her refined floral and still-life compositions. Her practice focuses on the magnification of natural subjects: roses, hydrangeas, camellias, citrus fruits, and foliage are brought into intimate proximity, revealing subtle chromatic transitions and quiet atmospheric depth. This approach transforms botanical forms into contemplative presences with a contemporary, almost meditative stillness. Francesca works primarily in oil, and is also accomplished in soft pastel and watercolor, using exclusively archival materials such as 100% cotton Fabriano papers and handmade Amatruda Amalfi sheets. Her color sensibility — luminous, layered, and precise — reflects both her classical foundation and her modern aesthetic. Her works are held in private collections across Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, affirming her growing presence in the international Realism and botanical art landscape. Francesca lives and works in Rome. 🖋 ARTIST STATEMENT “My work seeks to reveal the quiet sacredness of the natural world. By magnifying flowers and fruit, I invite the viewer to slow down and encounter their inner architecture — the rhythms, colors, and silent harmonies that often remain unnoticed. Rooted in classical realism but shaped by a contemporary gaze, my paintings are meditations on beauty, contemplation, and the intimate presence of nature."