Prickly Pastels

Prickly Pastels captures the contrasting beauty of the desert landscape that inspired it. This abstract paper art piece was created after a visit to the desert to see some of my family. I wanted to evoke the unique color palette I observed there: the predominantly dusty, muted tones of the desert itself, punctuated by the surprising and vibrant bursts of color found in the spring and during the dramatic sunsets.

The tall, vertical orientation of Prickly Pastels is directly inspired by the towering cacti I encountered in the desert. The paper shapes are meant to evoke the prickly quality of these plants, creating a sense of dynamic upward movement. The resulting geometric pattern takes advantage of these sharp, angular shapes to form a unique composition.

While many of my pieces rely on strong contrast to create visual excitement, I took a different approach with Prickly Pastels. I opted for a more muted palette, carefully selecting colors that evoke the subtle gradations of the desert environment. This allows the single, bright color to truly pop and command attention, becoming a focal point that draws the viewer's eye. The pale background unifies the composition, creating a sense of cohesion and enhancing the overall feeling of quiet drama and serene beauty.

Discover the serene yet striking beauty of Prickly Pastels, and explore a unique investigation of color and form that captures the essence of the desert.