Smokey, Floriferous

In Smokey Floriferous, Carrie Goller combines surrealist wildlife art with a sense of gentle fantasy, creating a creature that feels both enchanting and deeply expressive. Executed in mixed media oil and encaustic, the artwork captures an owl-like figure crowned with an explosion of delicate wildflowers, transforming the animal into a dreamlike symbol of nature and imagination. Goller’s distinctive style blends realism with whimsy, resulting in a composition that feels timeless and emotionally engaging.

The colour palette is soft yet luminous, built around airy sky blues, lavender tones, blush pinks, and touches of warm gold. These pastel shades contrast beautifully with the rich earthy browns and silvery feathers of the owl, giving the work a glowing, ethereal atmosphere. The encaustic surface adds depth and translucency, allowing the flowers and feathers to appear almost suspended within light.

There is an undeniable tenderness in the creature’s oversized eyes and carefully balanced composition, inviting the viewer into a quiet, magical world. Both playful and technically refined, Smokey Floriferous celebrates the beauty of wildlife through a contemporary surrealist lens. This original artwork by Carrie Goller is available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online.