Artist Spotlight, Mother’s Day Special: Gastonia, NC Artist Susie Henry’s Impressionistic Floral Still Life Paintings

In honor of Mother’s Day this month, Heather Meadow is pleased to feature the heartfelt work of Hadley’s mom: North Carolina painter Susie Henry, whose expressive floral still life paintings celebrate the beauty and poetry of everyday life. Based in Gastonia, NC, her original oil and acrylic paintings blend bold color, organic movement, and impressionistic brushwork to create contemporary floral artwork filled with warmth and personality. From richly layered floral still lifes to whimsical interior compositions, her work speaks to collectors searching for Southern contemporary painting, floral wall art, and unique paintings for the home.

Enjoy our interview with Gastonia based painter Susie Henry:

Click through images to shop Susie’s paintings

HM: What is your favorite flower variety, or two or three, and why?

SH: It is not easy to pick just one, two, or even three, but I will try. At some point I said peonies were my favorite because of the scent, gorgeous shape, and colors. Mary Oliver’s poem, called “Peonies”, says it all. After spending time at mother/daughter weekend at Camp Greystone, something there really spoke to my spirit and inspired me. The small, simple, cut summer flowers on the tables in the dining hall made an amazing impression on me. I realized that something as easy as tiny, non-fussy, summer flowers really lifted my spirit. It was a gladness that I pondered in my heart, and I thought then about growing simple zinnias and dahlias in my little garden space.

Simple bud vases filled with blooms from the backyard line the artist’s kitchen.

HM: Do you have any memories tied to flowers?

SH: My earliest memory is of a red tulip growing in a neighbor’s yard. At a very early age, I recall walking over to the flower, standing over it, and looking down into the black and yellow center....Far out!!!

HM: Tell us about your gardening experience, the ups and downs, and what you have learned from gardening.

SH: I have a little back garden at our home, and it is enough for me. Over the years I have experimented, made huge mistakes (like planting mint in the ground), and have delighted in this adventure! I have learned so much about seasons and time. It can take years for some plants to get established and thrive, and other varieties are fast as can be. Of course, gardening is a hands-on way to remind ourselves of spiritual lessons. For example, seeds and good soil remind me of the biblical Parable of the Sower.

HM: Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a painter in Gastonia, North Carolina?

SH: Painting in Gastonia began as I substitute-taught in our local school for Curt Butler, a great artist and teacher. I marvelled at the student’s work. I remember thinking that if he ever taught adults, I’d sign up! Sure enough, during our “empty nest” season, a friend invited me to a class taught by Curt at Gaston School of the Arts. For several years thereafter, I was able to take art classes, and I could see growth. At about the same time, I read Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. What has stayed with me is her quote, "If you can write your name, you can learn to draw.” How freeing is that statement? I believe that she is right.

Over the years I’ve learned from many talented artists including Asheville artist Bee Seiburg and Jill Steenhuis. At some point it’s essential to gain insight from the solitary experience of the actual painting process. Eventually one finds a way of creating that is unique to the individual.

HM: Where can your paintings be purchased in Gastonia, NC and beyond?

SH: You can find my paintings in my Etsy shop where I offer worldwide shipping or local pickup in Gastonia.

HM: Thanks, Mom!

For artistic florals inspired by Susie follow @heathermeadowfloral

Artist Spotlight: Charlotte NC Artist Kate Schultz’ Floral-Inspired Contemporary Art

Flowers are a language that extends far beyond the vase and into the broader world of art, design, and visual storytelling.

This monthly artist spotlight is a space dedicated to exploring that connection. Each feature highlights a fine artist whose work incorporates floral motifs in a way that feels thoughtful, expressive, and distinct—whether through painting, textiles, sculpture, or mixed media.

In celebrating their work, we hope to draw a line between disciplines—to show how floral design exists within a larger creative ecosystem, and how beauty can take shape across mediums.

Enjoy our interview with Charlotte based painter Kate Schultz:

with photographs by Emily Lyons-Wood
Click through images to shop Kate’s paintings

HM: Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming an artist in Charlotte, North Carolina?

KS: Sure! I grew up in Mississippi and was always a creative little being. Frolicking outside, drawing, playing dress up and painting were huge parts of my life growing up. I started painting more seriously in high school and began taking art lessons after my academic classes. In 2012, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Painting from the University of Mississippi. After college, I moved back home to Jackson and held various creative jobs. Painting after hours was always consistent! At that time, I really only sold pieces by word of mouth. 

Fast-forwarding to the end of 2019, my husband and I were ready for a change of scenery. We both really love the outdoors and we thought North Carolina would suit us really well. Justin accepted a job in Charlotte, so we packed up our home and 2 cats and headed northeast! After the move, I worked an administrative job in holistic health and painted on the weekends. When the pandemic hit, I decided to go full-time and begin the journey of a career in painting! It's been full of ups and downs, but I continue to learn more each day and wouldn't want to be doing anything else. 

We bought our house at the end of 2020 and spent several years nesting and prepping our empty, sad backyard to become a beautiful garden. I wanted our backyard to be, perhaps, an oasis from the busy work days. Over the past several years, we planted wildflowers, vegetables, herbs, fruit bushes and different varieties of trees. The seeds and young plants took time to fully root and flourish, but we are finally able to enjoy their blossoms and bounty almost year-round. I'm actually taking a mushroom growing class this weekend, so hopefully we'll be able to add mushrooms to the list next year! My garden and backyard are huge inspirations in my painting journey. If I'm not in my studio, you can find me in the garden. 

Schultz in her garden. Photo by Emily Lyons-Wood

HM: What is your favorite flower variety, or two or three, and why?

KS: I'm a huge fan of perennial native wildflowers, particularly echinacea, black-eyed susans and blanket flowers. They are really great for all the pollinators and a nice addition to any garden or yard. Plus echinacea (purple coneflower) has medicinal properties; you can make tea from it to boost the immune system. I'm on a mission to help all the pollinators thrive. We must have bees! Bees are the future!

HM: How do flowers and the natural world influence your creative practice and how/why do they show up in your work?

KS: I consider myself somewhat introverted and as I've gotten older, I really value the calm, slow moments in life. I rarely go out in crowds anymore and I find the most comfort at home and in nature. I love having a cup of tea in my garden, making dinner, reading and going on bird walks. The world is quite chaotic right now, so finding peace in everyday life is really important to me. Working in my garden—planting herbs, flowers, and observing nature—is a meditative practice that I try to do daily; it's a necessity. I want my paintings to be a temporary escape for my viewers. The world is so fast and loud, I hope my paintings bring a sense of peace and calm.

HM: I'm a collector and love your work that features birds and flowers. They feel perfect for springtime in Charlotte, NC, where birds are chirping and blooms are bursting again after winter. Can you tell us more about what inspired these works and how you choose which birds/flowers to pair together?

KS: Thank you so much for your support! To be honest, I find the city a bit overwhelming. I stay on the outskirts and always take the scenic route if I can. I get to see so many nature scenes, animals and birds that I might miss if I were on the interstate. I love watching birds land on different trees or seeing a cat calmly sit in the sun. 

One of my favorite garden scenes is watching a goldfinch eat the tops of my flowers, especially sunflowers. Even when flowers die, they provide seeds as nourishment for birds and sometimes even a safe space for pollinators to nestle. Psa: Leave your deadheads over the winter! I love watching Carolina Wrens hop around the garden, they have so much personality and are a joy to paint. Same goes with Carolina Chickadees! I have binoculars readily available near the window so I can view all the birds that come to visit.  

HM: Tell us about your gardening experience, the ups and downs, and what you have learned from gardening.

KS: My husband is more hands-on with the veggies and I handle the flowers and herbs. I'm no master gardener, but I do love to experiment and have a plethora of different herbs around the garden. I have an aunt who also loves to garden so occasionally I'll call her to chat about wildflowers and bees. Late frost is always a lesson learned. What to cover and what not to cover. One year we had the most beautiful tiny sprouts that we hoped would grow into juicy vegetables, but we forgot to bring them inside and a late March frost killed all of them. It's okay, I learned a lesson and now we always bring them inside! Gardening is all about learning lessons and patience. We focus on mindful movements and really take the time to slow down. Each morning we water the plants, nurture them, and ensure they receive adequate sunlight without overexposure. We are reminded that the same applies to humans: take care of your mind and body just like you do your plants—hydrate, nourish, take walks and get some sunlight.

The artist surveys her garden. Photo by Emily Lyons-Wood

HM: Where can your paintings be purchased in Charlotte, NC and beyond?

KS: You can purchase my paintings from Shain Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you are not local, you can find my work in various other galleries: 

Spoonbill Gallery in Greenville, South Carolina

Thomas Deans Fine Art in Atlanta, Georgia

Bee Street Gallery in Dallas, Texas 

Left Bank Gallery in Ridgeland, Mississippi and Starkville, Mississippi 

And this Spring, a new collection of garden pieces will head to Woodwalk Gallery in Door County, Wisconsin.

For artistic florals inspired by @katefschultz follow @heathermeadowfloral

About Heather Meadow: A Luxury Florist in Charlotte, NC

A Heather Meadow flower arrangement. Photo by Hadley Henry Photography

Musings from the Meadow:

There’s something deeply transformative about flowers—how they soften a space, mark a moment, or shift the atmosphere of a room without saying a word.

At Heather Meadow, floral design is approached with that same sense of intention. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the studio offers refined, artful arrangements for delivery, events, and hospitality, with a focus on creating work that feels both elevated and natural.

🌿 A Meadow-Inspired Approach

The name Heather Meadow reflects a design philosophy rooted in movement, texture, and restraint.

Arrangements are not overly structured or traditional—they are designed to feel as though they’ve grown into place. Seasonal blooms are chosen for their character and subtle variation, allowing each piece to feel distinct rather than formulaic.

The result is floral work that leans:

• Organic rather than rigid

• Layered rather than dense

• Editorial rather than expected

Owner and Lead Designer Hadley arranging with farm-fresh flowers picked from World’s End.

🌸 Flower Delivery in Charlotte, NC

Heather Meadow offers flower delivery throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas, designed for those who value beauty in everyday moments.

Rather than standard, one-size-fits-all arrangements, each delivery is composed with attention to:

• Seasonal availability

• Color harmony

• Natural movement

Whether sent as a gift or placed in the home, these arrangements are meant to feel considered—something closer to a living composition than a traditional bouquet.

Common occasions include:

• Birthdays and anniversaries

• Housewarmings

• Hosting and gatherings

• Personal, weekly florals

🕊️ Event & Wedding Flowers

For weddings and events, Heather Meadow provides floral design that enhances rather than overwhelms.

The approach is highly collaborative, with an emphasis on understanding the overall atmosphere of the event—how the space should feel, not just how it should look.

Services include:

• Bridal bouquets and personal flowers

• Ceremony installations

• Reception florals and tablescapes

• Elopement flowers for the laid back couple

Each project is tailored to the setting, season, and client, resulting in work that feels cohesive and intentional from start to finish.

🏨 Hospitality & Brand Partnerships

Heather Meadow also works with hotels, restaurants, and creative brands in Charlotte, offering floral design that aligns with a space’s identity.

In hospitality settings, flowers become part of the guest experience—subtle but impactful.

Offerings include:

• Weekly or bi-weekly floral installations

• Lobby and front desk arrangements

• Restaurant and bar styling

• Brand activations and editorial projects

The goal is to create florals that feel integrated into the environment, enhancing the space without distracting from it.

Flowers add depth and interest to a space. Statement florals at Sala by Stagioni restaurant & bar in Charlotte, NC.

🌾 A Thoughtful, Slower Approach

At its core, Heather Meadow is built on the idea that floral design should feel intentional—not rushed or overproduced.

This means:

• Designing with the seasons, using regionally grown blooms when possible

• Prioritizing quality over quantity

• Creating work that feels personal

In a world of fast consumption, flowers offer a rare opportunity to pause—and to bring something living and beautiful into everyday life.

Stop and smell the roses.

✉️ Inquiries

Heather Meadow Floral Studio is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serves clients locally and throughout the surrounding region.

For flower delivery, events, or hospitality inquiries, email studio@heathermeadowflowers.com or fill out this form.