Petals in Paper Layers – Leanne Daquino’s Floral Journey
Gardening with a paintbrush, Melbourne-based mixed
media artist Leanne Daquino blooms where education once
rooted her. After 25 years in classrooms, she discovered
a new life in colour, texture, and imagination. Born into a
long line of gardeners, Leanne doesn’t claim a green thumb, she cultivates with a paintbrush. Flowers are her language: hydrangeas whisper nostalgia, petals sing joy, and every bloom tells a story waiting to be felt.
Through Gelli plate printing, collage, and layered textures,
Leanne transforms the everyday into vibrant, abstract floral worlds. Her work is playful yet poignant, a celebration of memory, colour, and connection. Self-taught and fearless, she proves it’s never too late to plant new seeds of creativity. Step into her painted gardens and let your spirit wander, here, beauty grows in every corner, and happiness is always in bloom.
Q. How has your family of gardeners inspired your artwork?
A. I’m not much of a gardener myself, but my mum, grandmother and sisters are passionate and knowledgeable gardeners. Mum’s garden is beautiful,
even though it’s just a small town block. She can name every plant.
Dad’s a farmer and still grows vegetables. So I grew up
surrounded by plants and gardens. I always joke that
I garden with my paintbrush instead. I love the finished result, even if I don’t love the gardening work itself.
Q. What comes to mind when you think of flowers?
A. Flowers have always been part of my life. As a child,
I’d pick Mum’s flowers, pull them apart and create little artworks with the petals on a plate of sand. I also used floral fabrics and crocheted dolls’ clothes with flowers on them. I’ve always loved flowers in one form or another.
Q. How would you describe your art style in a few words?
A. Colourful, layered and textured. Colour is the most important thing to me. I love when people stand back to look at a painting, then walk up close and discover all the little details and hidden layers. I want my work to feel joyful and happy.
Q. If your art style had a personality, how would you describe it?
A. Happy, quirky, a bit unexpected, with little secrets you have to look closely to find. I believe you have to keep playing. When art becomes too serious, especially when selling work, you can get stuck. Play and experimentation are what help you develop your own unique style.
Q. What do you love most about creating flowers?
A. Flowers are universally loved. They can hold happy memories or sad ones. They’re present during celebrations and meaningful moments. That emotional connection is important to me.
