This design was specifically done for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. I used my reference photo of garden sunflowers. I love the big, bold shapes of the flowers! I cannot resist painting them because they are happy flowers and my favorites.

After drawing the design directly on the archival foamboard, I begin with specific shapes and continue in adjoining areas. The background wasn’t planned; I usually come up with an idea for it as I work. As I did have bolder stripes, I decided it was too busy and added strips of rice paper over them. I used a glittery wrapping paper for the vase, as I thought it was too pretty to throw away — and I love the effect of the bold paper design.