Finding Treasure in the Desert

"Sun Kissed"

​Driving along the highway, we saw a patch of gold that glistened in the sun.  Curious about what caused it, we stopped to discover a small plant that grew close to the ground, covered in tiny golden blooms.
 
Found in the desert during the hottest part of the summer, this little flower is often confused with a poppy, but it's actually a Caltrop. Blossoms are about the size of a dime and open for only one day.  Their blooming season begins when the summer monsoon rains come to Arizona. They're a bright spot of color but when photographed, enlarged and extremely cropped – delicate little pods emerge of golden yellow in the middle of a bright orange spot; details that can barely be seen with the naked eye. "Sun-Kissed" is one of my paintings of a Caltrop.  ​
 
Marco art is a twist on perspective.  It's creating an extreme close-up painting, usually of very small objects or living things. The subject matter for Macro Art paintings can be found anywhere. 
 
Looking really closely at a familiar flower or ordinary object, a whole new world of shapes and textures is revealed to you.  It's like a hidden treasure right under your nose!   
 
I also love to play on a fine line of realism and abstract when I paint in a macro style. When you first look at my painting, "Desert Gold," do you wonder what it is or do you know right away?  I'd love to hear what you think.   (For more macro art take a look at my gallery).

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"Desert Gold"