The Story Behind Marilyn: Brooke Ryan Scheib’s Most Iconic Painting
Art has the power to capture moments, evoke emotion, and create lasting impressions. For artist Brooke Ryan Scheib, one particular painting has done just that—Marilyn. This striking and timeless piece has resonated with collectors across the country, leading to multiple commissions and ongoing demand for new originals. But how did Marilyn come to be? Let’s explore the history and journey of this iconic work of art.
The first Marilyn painting came to life in Colorado Springs at Colorado College during a summer session with the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation. This prestigious program gave Brooke the time, space, and creative energy to experiment with her unique style. The result? A mesmerizing, high-contrast take on Marilyn Monroe, layered with deeper symbolism inspired by Lord of the Flies.
In the very first version of Marilyn, Brooke added unexpected details—a fly replacing Marilyn’s signature beauty mark, another perched on her lips, and one more on her head—giving the painting an eerie yet intriguing twist. It was an artistic choice that set Marilyn apart, making it both a tribute and a statement piece.
From Art Studio to Fine Dining: Marilyn Hits Cleveland
After its creation, Marilyn landed in a pretty unexpected spot—The Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Owned by Chef Jonathon Sawyer, this popular restaurant wasn’t just about food—it was an experience. And what better place to showcase Brooke’s bold work than in a place serving full roasted pig heads on the menu?
Several versions of Marilyn were displayed throughout the space, creating a gallery-like atmosphere where diners could enjoy both culinary and visual artistry. It was here that the first original painting sold, and soon, demand for Marilyn exploded. Collectors loved its energy, its edge, and its timeless appeal, leading to numerous commissions in different sizes and mediums.
Marilyn even made an appearance when ESPN broadcasted live from E 4th in 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals and has made it into many wedding photoshoots done in the same area!
From Canvas to the Streets: Marilyn as a Stencil and Mural
Brooke didn’t stop at canvas—she took Marilyn to the streets, transforming the image into a stencil and large-scale murals. This street-art-inspired adaptation led to Marilyn appearing on Cleveland’s Fun Wall, an outdoor public art space showcasing large-format works from local graffiti artists.
For a time, Marilyn was a staple of downtown Cleveland’s art scene—a recognizable, larger-than-life presence. Unfortunately, the Fun Wall was eventually destroyed, taking Brooke’s massive Marilyn murals with it. But the image lived on, finding new life through Brooke’s paintings, commissions, decals, and limited prints.
A Collectible Piece of Marilyn
With so much love for this painting, Brooke decided to make Marilyn more accessible. Enter the Marilyn decal—a high-quality sticker version of the artwork that can go just about anywhere.
These decals are available for purchase, but here’s the fun part—Brooke also gives them away for free at every painting exhibition she’s part of. Whether you slap one on your laptop, water bottle, or car, it’s a cool way to carry a little piece of Marilyn with you.
Limited Edition Marilyn Giclée Prints
To make Marilyn even more accessible to collectors, Brooke has released a limited-edition giclée print series—a high-quality, more cost-effective way to own this iconic piece.
Each print is available in two exclusive editions:
SN (Signed and Numbered) Edition: Limited to 100 prints, hand-signed and numbered by Brooke.
AP (Artist Proof) Edition: Limited to 10 prints, featuring hand-painted embellishments, making each one unique.
These exclusive editions allow collectors to own a piece of art history in a beautiful, high-quality format.
Own a Piece of Marilyn
Whether you’re a longtime admirer or just discovering Brooke’s work, now is the perfect time to bring Marilyn into your collection. With originals, commissions, decals, and prints available, there’s a version of Marilyn for every collector.
✨ To see available original artwork, purchase a decal, or order a limited-edition print, visit www.brookelynaesthetic.com or email Brooke directly at brookelynaesthetic@gmail.com.
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