In the first edition of our “Artist of the Month” series, we feature a young Moroccan artist who is passionate about plants and exceptionally talented with watercolor.
Meet Hafsa, a 19-year-old biology student whose artistic journey began in 2019. After exploring various mediums like acrylic, gouache, and pencil, she discovered a special appreciation for watercolor. “Once I tried professional watercolors, I was obsessed and knew I could do that for a long time. I wanted to improve, practice, experiment, and eventually share and inspire” Hafsa shares.
Nature has always been a significant part of Hafsa’s life and art. “A lot of people ask me, ‘Why do you paint flowers so much? Why not something else?’ As a kid, I was always connected to nature and even wanted to be a vet. Now I’m deeply inspired by plants and flowers, which have become my favorite subjects to paint” she explains. Her workspace, with its view of trees, palm trees, and flowers, enhances her connection to nature. For Hafsa, painting flowers is more than just an appreciation of their beauty; it’s an expression of admiration, gratitude, responsibility, and a deep connection to nature.
When asked about her recent olive tree painting, Hafsa reveals its personal and cultural significance. “When I knew that I had to paint a Moroccan species, I knew I had to paint plants, especially flowering ones” she says. Morocco is renowned for its plant diversity, hosting several biodiversity hotspots, most notably the High Atlas and Rif Mountains, which feature numerous endemic species.
“I was born and raised in Rabat, but my family’s hometown is renowned for its olive trees and olive oil. In our culture, olive oil is cherished and gifted as a symbol of love” Hafsa continues. The olive tree holds a special place in her heart, representing love, union, family, and generosity. Through this piece, Hafsa aimed to highlight both Moroccan culture and her personal experiences.
Hafsa’s olive tree painting, which includes detailed depictions of leaves, seeds, and flowers, follows the standard botanical drawing format often featured in scientific papers and plant identification books. When asked if she enjoyed this type of art and would continue making botanical drawings, Hafsa responds enthusiastically, “Absolutely, I am already planning my next painting of the next plant. I really enjoyed looking into every detail of the leaves, the flowers, the fruit, and painting them in a creative, personalized style“.
Balancing her studies in biology with her passion for art, Hafsa reflects, “I love the balance I’ve found in my life as both a biology student and an artist. It’s a harmony between learning and creating, taking and giving, understanding and expressing. Both biology and art help me appreciate life, offering a different, more appreciative lens to view the world“.
Looking ahead, Hafsa is excited about her future projects, particularly those inspired by nature and plants. “After this painting, I am very excited to paint more nature and plants-inspired paintings. I also like to keep my choices open, try new things, and learn more“, she says.
Stay tuned for more incredible artwork from Hafsa as she continues to explore and share the beauty of Moroccan nature through her unique and captivating art.
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