Story behind the art of Curly Lieber

28th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art & Garden Center

Hollyhock leaf

Alcea rosea

I have always loved painting leaves, and I greatly admire the work of Rory McEwen. As John Ruskin (1819-1900), artist, art and social critic, teacher, writer, and philosopher said, “If you can paint one leaf, you can paint the world.” I wish! While I can’t paint the “world,” I am attracted to the various textures, colors, edges, and variety that the “world of leaves” provides. The passage of time gives a leaf great character.

In my garden in Maine, I have a stand of red hollyhocks that take pride of place for a good length of time in the summer. As the plants first begin to grow, the leaves are healthy, sturdy, and stately. It always amuses me that as soon as the flowers begin to open, the leaves start to fade. Rust is always a threat to the leaves, and I found this leaf before it succumbed to the dreaded blight. Still, its edges are crinkled and there is evidence of visiting creatures seeking a meal. For me, this is a much more interesting subject to paint than a perfect specimen. Vellum seems to be the natural choice for the background.

It took many layers of paint before this leaf began to emerge from the page but in the end I hope the finished product reflects the joy I experienced while painting it.

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Read more about this artist's work: 20th Annual