Who is FloraRoos?

It all started when my mother had the idea of giving me three names. Namely Nele, a first name, Flora a second name, and Roos a third. My name is Nele Flora Roos.

The name FloraRoos carries a story. It is a line of women, my grandmother Flora and great-grandmother Marie-Rose, who preceded me. They taught me to live life with attention, gentleness, and strength. I now channel their energy into this project, which portrays people in their beauty and fortitude.

Memory has long played an important role in my life. From childhood, I realized how valuable it is to be able to continue seeing somebody. I took photographs from a very early age and have always kept them carefully. It has deepened my way of observing.

Today I translate that sensitivity into watercolor portraits. Not to create perfect images, but to capture something that is meaningful to someone: a bond, a presence, a moment.

Each portrait is created with tranquillity, attention and respect for the other person's story. I believe that portrait art can be a warm and honourable way to preserve what is important. Sometimes even to literally memorise the contours of a face and to keep someone or a moment close, as it were.

Drawing, painting, and writing have always been a way for me to channel my reality, to look at the world. Especially at people, at the small moments that often pass unnoticed.

During difficult periods in my life, this became even more intense. It helped me to slow down, deepen my understanding and focus on what really matters. This is how watercolor became my most important form of expression. It is a medium that leaves room for nuance, intuition and authenticity.

When my father passed away on April 14, 2024, I painted a portrait of him a few days later. I had asked him if I could make ‘something’ in his memory and he agreed. He had often expressed his support for my painting projects and certainly for me becoming an entrepreneur myself. His confidence gave me the final push I needed to give myself a chance as a painter.

Today I create portraits in which not only likeness is important, but above all the atmosphere, the presence, and the bond between people. Each work is unique, just as each story is too.

Nele Flora Roos

Becoming a painter

Watercolor I made in memory of my father which was done on paper that was not suitable for watercolor and with a children's palette, which is quite evident.