As a child growing up in the high desert I found many inspirations for my artwork in the surrounding area. From sagebrush, seasonal flowers, quartz glistening out of the earth, to animals roaming in the distance. My recent painted ornament collection comes from those childhood inspirations.

One of the most unusual and iconic images of the high desert is the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a member of the Agave family. An important part of the Mojave Desert ecosystem, Joshua trees are home to all types of wildlife. Birds, mammals, insects, and lizards all live with, in and around Joshua trees. A favorite subject for many southwestern artists to paint, carve and sculpt in their preferred media.

Sometimes seen as unruly, these slow growing trees create a striking silhouette in the high desert. For many living in the high desert, snow covered Joshua trees are seen as a traditional holiday image. Following that tradition I wanted to create holiday ornaments highlighting the Joshua tree.

Another familiar sight to the high desert is the relentlessly gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. In hues of red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and soft grey, the sky is an ever changing canvas. These unfiltered displays of colors are the natural background for Joshua trees in Winter months.

Using photos of Joshua trees, high desert sunsets and sunrises that I took as reference, I painted blank pine wood slices. Layer by layer early morning and twilight high desert scenes came to life.

By painting in a folk art style, I found the process of making each ornament relaxing, bringing back happy holiday memories. Once each pine wood ornament was painted, they were signed and varnished. Many of the ornaments now have happy new homes for the holidays.

Until Next Time, Stay Crafty, Stay Safe!