Marybeth Heikes

Paintings in Watercolor & Mixed Media

Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold

February 9, 2021

This is a portrait collage that is part of an exhibit called "Black Women of Distinction". I began with one of my favorite artists, Faith Ringgold, because her quilts and paintings are similar to the artwork I am creating in acrylic collage. more »

Turkey Creek

Turkey Creek

January 26, 2021

I have been inspired by the Midwest landscape for many years. The sprawling fields, rustic barns and sheds are a few elements that capture my interest. I began painting these old structures around 1995 and have painted over one hundred landscapes since then. more »

Bearded Iris in Purple

Bearded Iris in Purple

January 19, 2021

My inspiration for this painting was the frilly bearded irises in our garden. Beginning with numerous sketches from life, I chose the deep purple hand-painted collage papers from my stash and began cutting the large petal shapes of the iris. more »

Spring Party

Spring Party

September 17, 2020

This bouquet is a combination of pink and red peonies, deep purple Japanese irises and some feathery Baptisia. It speaks of spring and the first flowers to appear in the garden. more »

Sunflowers & Eucalyptus

Sunflowers & Eucalyptus

August 5, 2020

I am continually inspired by big, bold sunflower shapes and colors -- the design possibilities are endless. Floral compositions are cheery and uplifting to me, especially during this time of the pandemic. more »

Be Smart, Be Safe

Be Smart, Be Safe

June 12, 2020

This is more from my series of designs of the businesses in Valley Junction. The old theater is now a costume business and the old building is an interesting shape with the theater sign. more »

A-Okay Antiques

A-Okay Antiques

June 3, 2020

I love painting local scenes, and this watercolor is a continuation of the storefronts in Valley Junction in West Des Moines. In this particular scene, the yellow rocket ship above the door captured my attention along with the interesting array of objects inside the window. more »

Fifth Street, Valley Junction

Fifth Street, Valley Junction

May 26, 2020

My first watercolor since the COVID-19 outbreak is of Artisan Gallery 218. I love painting small local scenes, and this is a series I began since our gallery closed. I miss the daily work schedule and meeting new people every day who visit from around the country. more »

First Irises

First Irises

April 21, 2020

After a long winter followed by the pandemic we are experiencing now, I was inspired to paint some of my irises. Flowers are so fresh and have vivid colors that lift one's spirits, especially at this time. more »

Mel

Mel

April 10, 2020

This painting continues my development into portraiture. This is a portrait of my sister who posed in a candid, comfortable sitting position. more »