'Desert Bloom' by Theresa Oats

My husband Jim and I painted at the 'Santa Ana Botanical Garden' in Claremont California during the month of May.  Arriving at opening time we'd carry our equipment in from the parking lot and walk through the garden which included trees, plants and rocks. An occasional lizard or small snake would scurry by.  The pleasant warm temperature would eventually become hot by mid morning.  I settled in an area with a cluster of flowering plants and a flowering tree.  The sun backlit the warm hued blooms of this cacti. The combination of cool shapes adorned by warm flowers was quite inspiring.
11x14 oil on linen on panel.  I plan to place it in the 'Fall RAA Show'