Story behind the art of Melissa Toberer

27th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and the Society of Illustrators

Autumn Beauty Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Autumn Beauty Sunflower is an artwork inspired by the vibrant and robust sunflowers I planted in my garden. They grew remarkably tall, towering over the garden and becoming a prominent feature visible from the kitchen window. Characterized by their deep orange and red hues, they proved not only visually captivating but also beneficial in attracting pollinators to the garden.

I thought that the autumn beauty variety, with its intense, fiery colors, seemed an intriguing subject for a monochromatic study. I was drawn to the challenge of translating the flowers’ vivid palette into a black and white medium.

Amidst a series of extreme thunderstorms, I observed the sunflowers enduring high winds, their stalks bending and petals swirling in a dynamic dance. This scene of natural intensity and movement became the main inspiration for my drawing: I sought to convey both the force of the wind and the sunflower’s strength in the face of such elements.

In the drawing, I depict a single large sunflower head accompanied by two smaller, yet-to-bloom heads lower on the stalk. I photographed the flower after a particularly strong storm, capturing the twisted and blown petals. The drawing portrays the flower head turned towards the left, unveiling the intricate patterns and details on the back. I had initially considered a right-facing orientation, but I found that positioning the sunflower facing left imbued the composition with greater dynamism. My goal was to evoke a sense of movement, with the windswept flower battling the storm.

Rendered in carbon pencils and graphite, the artwork emphasizes texture and contrast. I chose carbon pencil for the deepest shadows to achieve a rich darkness without the distracting sheen of graphite.

Through this drawing, I aimed to capture the sunflower's inherent beauty and strength, showcasing its ability to withstand and flourish despite nature’s challenges. This sunflower symbolizes resilience to me, and the capacity to thrive amid stormy weather. I hope viewers can feel this connection and reflect on how these themes might resonate with their own lives too. 

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Read more about this artist's work: 21st Annual