Georgia O'Keeffe 'White Calla Lily" going to NYC auction; estimated at $8M-$12M

A Georgia O'Keeffe flower painting that the artist kept for herself is among the highlights of an upcoming auction of American art.

Sotheby's says "White Calla Lily" is estimated to bring $8 million to $12 million at the May 20 sale in New York.

O'Keeffe created the work in 1927 and held on to it until her death in 1986.

The auctioneer says the back has a star motif, a device O'Keeffe used to mark her favorite pieces.

The current owner has owned the painting for more than two decades.

O'Keeffe's "Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1" holds the record for the artist. It sold for $44.4 million at Sotheby's last year.

The sale also will include works by Childe Hassam, Martin Johnson Heade, Milton Avery and John Singer Sargent.