For me, the challenge is to continue this series and expand on the teapot designs. My goal is to do at least twenty unique designs. Originally the focus for this background was to be a crossword puzzle, but it evolved into the arrow-like shapes. I also wanted to use a different range of colors than […] more »
I have decided to continue with my Teapot Series still lifes after reviewing some of my past work. This subject matter still intrigues me and I wonder where the future designs may lead. That is why I continue to paint — the surprise ending is well worth it! I do know that once I start […] more »
This painting was inspired by my garden flowers and antique bottle collection. Still lifes are one of my favorite subject matter to paint, and I love the bright colors of summer flowers! I decided from the start to use some of my flower sketches of our larkspur plants and fire engine red petunias. I began […] more »
Two of Marybeth Heikes’ original collages have been selected for the 22nd annual Greater Des Moines Exhibition. Her collages, RAGBRAI, depicting a close up of a bicycle wheel and pieces of Iowa map of the Mississippi river towns, and Supreme Sunflowers with Red Stems, a floral bouquet, will be part of this exhibit featuring Iowa […] more »
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 […] more »
This piece was inspired by our garden sunflowers. I worked in a smaller design format than usual because I have been doing the Daily Paintings that are usually done in smaller sizes. It is easier to complete a piece this size in one day, as opposed to the larger pieces that can take up to […] more »
This painting was inspired by the large collection of antique bottles my mother sent me. As I sketched each bottle, I turned my paper in all directions and overlapped the bottles, which made a more interesting arrangement than just standing next to each other on a shelf. more »
This piece was inspired by some antique bottles my mother sent me. I love the shapes and colors of the bottles, but I did not use the original colors. I completed numerous drawings of the bottles first, then edited and designed the composition without adhering to the sketches. I allowed for changes while working on […] more »
This piece was done from my original sketchbook drawing. I worked from the actual flowers, paying close attention to the floral forms and stems. These flowers are a beautiful soft blue or periwinkle color. My design is a little abstract and I was nearing completion, I added a butterfly shape which is partially hidden. It was […] more »
I have always loved the Bird of Paradise flower and wanted to paint it for a long time. It is a bold, tropical blossom and I tried to capture the saturated warm colors of it. I worked from my vacation photograph and challenged myself to use a different format, the square. The background was not […] more »