Hollyhocks & Bluebirds - Marybeth Heikes

Original Collage Framed in White Wood, 16.5" x 33.25"

The inspiration for this painting is the flower: hollyhocks. I am quite fond of these old-fashioned flowers. I have planted them in my garden and made sketches from life and take reference photos. I love the saucer shapes of the blossoms, the buds, leaves ? every details describes this wonderful flower! This design began with an odd-shaped frame I had in stock and a thought that either a sunflower or other tall flower would be great for the oblong shape. This occurs quite often ? I work backwards and figure the image dimensions and mat margins for the frame and proceed. Because I began this in winter time, I used my reference photo and old sketches. Usually I do numerous sketches and edit the image using tracing paper to fit the dimensions.