Have you seen autumn sneaking up on the high desert? There's no mass of flaming maples, but what about that quiet blaze waving around your boots? Gallardia, scarlet discs of color in late summer and fall are commonly known as "firewheels" for good reason. “Blazing Spirits” is my tribute to authentic fall color in the Davis Mountains, where these wildflowers set the grasslands alight with their fiery reds and golds, often blooming long after the calendar says "we're done with summer".

My little painting may be small, but it packs the punch of a Texas sunset. Each blossom is a tiny bonfire, so I painted these vibrant wildflowers in varnished gouache with watercolor glazes on archival board, letting the colors sing and the textures dance. I think if I were a wildflower, I, too would dance as long as I could. I'd certainly refuse to fade quietly.

If you’re looking for a splash of autumn warmth (without all the raking), this piece brings the fall vibe indoors. Perfect hanging in a cozy nook, on a small easel on your desk, or anywhere you need a little wild joy and unharnessed color.

Ready to let a bit of the desert’s fall fire brighten your space? “Blazing Spirits”speaks for itself when it declares that sometimes, the boldest colors come in the smallest packages.

custom framed in sustainable wood, no glass needed to protect this varnished watercolor; wired and ready to hang or display on a table easel or shelf