Struggling to Find Beauty

This painting transpired after a spring trip out west and a tragedy at a Texas elementary school. I spent 30 years teaching at various public schools. Twenty four years at an elementary school.

The sequoia cactus captured my attention, therefore once home in my studio this painting began to develop. One afternoon in my studio an urgent news flash came through. The shootings in Uvalde , Texas.

I had to stop painting. This saguaro cactus reminded me of the beauty of the west, but how could I continue when so many children and families were suffering devastating losses?

A few weeks later when I returned to my painting I added 19 blooms to honor the children and 2 flowers in bloom to honor the teachers. My way of struggling to find beauty in our sometimes very difficult world.