Joshua Tree Series
From the first time I saw Joshua Trees I was fascinated and attracted to these living entities that resemble wizened individuals. They survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth, and are only native to two places, the Mojave National Wildlife Preserve in California and Israel.
This gallery contains my visual exploration and attempt to show the admiration I have for their rugged determination.
Unlike the other Paintings, this gallery has been arranged from earliest to most recent to demonstrate my creative journey.
Joshua Flower One
The early stages of a Joshua Tree flower. Resembles an artichoke, but certainly not as tasty nor useful to us.
Beautiful in it's delicate color, but quite dangerous to touch ... hundreds of razor-sharp thorns protect it from any encroachment by a predator. Seeded tendrils shoot up from the flower as it continues to ripen.
Oil on Canvas 18 X 24 inches
Copyright 2017
Joshua Tree One
My first in the series of Joshua paintings. The surrounding desert is kept as monochromatic as possible and the Joshua Tree's color is heightened to emphasize it's dominance in the landscape.
Oil on Canvas 11 X 14 inches
Copyright 2017
Twins
Joshua Trees can reproduce from side shoots of each other or by seed. There is "safety in numbers" as these two large plants demonstrate being surrounded by several smaller individuals in this rare Joshua Tree forest.
Once again I have kept the surrounding desert and distant mountains in grey tones while emphasizing the color of the twin Joshua's.
Oil on Canvas 11 X 14 inches
Copyright 2017
Last Seed
The remaining seed pod on a tall Joshua Tree. It's odd doughnut shape, framed by the azure sky, is caused by invading insects finally being able to get a meal from the protected flower. Chances of Joshua Trees coming from this seed are unlikely.
Oil on Canvas 11 X 14 inches
Copyright 2017
Standing Tall
Lone Joshua Tree does it's best to tower above the surrounding vegetation. Even manages to tower above the rocky structures nearby.
Oil on Canvas 11 X 14 inches
Copyright 2017
Its a Hard Life
This is the, so far, final painting in my Joshua Tree series. I wanted to emphasize the desolation in which these plants continue to live.
Only dried grass, cactus and hearty bushes are present in this land of sand and rock. The area is actually quite lush in this painting because the time of this image was February, at the end of a particularly wet winter. The ground and air are still cool and moist ... that will change soon.
Oil on Canvas 11 X 14 inches
Copyright 2017