My challenge for this piece was to create a large sunflower design in a square format. I used my sketch of a vase in my collection and worked from my sunflower sketches done from life. I worked the warm colors against the cool colors and contrasted light and dark values.

I decided early on not to make a solid background color and made a small weaving of the warm red paper strips for added interest. Parts of the beige vase have metallic accent color blended into the texture. I love these large, bold floral shapes. They are lively and bright, cheerful shapes. Partially hidden are oval seeds in pink and red that have drifted from the pods.