“CAP ROCK”- JOSHUA TREE N.P. (11 x 14in.)

The desert can be a beautiful and wonderous environment. The clarity of the air and the quality of light are often breath taking. This image of a single Joshua Tree set against some huge boulders is a very  common sight in this National Park. The afternoon light casts a shadow of the “tree” (cactus) on a boulder below. The shape of the shadow hints at the shape of the huge rock. Other gigantic boulders in the background help give a sense of scale. Cap Rock, in the distance, is even more immense. (The reflected light of the surrounding granite helps illuminate parts underneath Cap Rock) In contrast to light colored granite is the intense blue of the clear sky.

What I enjoy most about this painting are the quality of light/shadow and the weathered textures of the granite boulders. The flowering bush and foreground have enough color and substance to indicate that there is still a little moisture for the vegetation, but spring is fading fast.