Spring in Arizona

Hiking in Arizona in February was the birth of this painting, but people around the world can appreciate the beginning of spring: anticipating the leaves and blooms. Everyone knows the feeling of waiting for new foliage to burst from the trees and add another layer of color to the landscape. This lovely Desert Willow will soon be covered in leaves to match the landscape bursting in verdant flowers and grasses. Carefully observe the sky: it fades from a medium blue to a light periwinkle with delicate lines depicting clouds and wind. In opposition to the delicate sky the strong pallete knife lines on the tree demand your attention and reinforce the steady nature of this plant. Depth is created through the fading color and reduced texture as the foreground fades to distant mountains.