Capturing the Last Blossom

Out in the desert, it's not unusual to find a cactus that's dying yet still manages to spend it's last bit of energy on a bloom.  "Prickly Pear's Last Bloom" was created from a cactus like that.

Life is a continuous process of growth and death, often occurring at the same time in any living organism or landscape - which fascinates me.  In this natural flow beauty often passes swiftly. I love to try to capture those moments with painting dramatic visual experiences of color, contrast and depth. My style reflects my awe with the designs and mysteries of life. 

Another really important aspect of my art is for me to get out and interact with the things I love to paint - like roses, cactus skeletons, wild Arizona poppies, cactus flowers and the stunning red rocks scattered throughout my State. I want to experience those "mystery of life" moments for myself before I paint them.  I want to dig in the dirt of my garden with my hands, prune a prickly rosebush, aimlessly wander in the desert looking for old metal trash, and be visually amazed by the unusual plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. 

Usually in June, the delicate yellow flowers start showing the orange/red colors.  It's worth braving the heat in the early morning to hike a desert trail to find them. Personally, I would much rather be in the desert in January!  Especially during a cool, wet one like we're having now. And besides - the snakes are still hibernating.  That's a thing!