This is the first of six large paintings commissioned for clients for their home in Scottsdale. It was an exciting challenge because I knew nothing about cacti, had no exposure to cacti, and cacti with flowers aren't anywhere to be found here in Chicago. Spending hours upon hours looking for images without copyright restrictions was definitely a challenge. Drawing the specific flower to match the specific cacti was also a challenge. I found it sometimes frustrating, but often exciting. I don't really think most people know what goes into the work even before the brushes hit the paint, and therefore you can't really appreciate the joys upon completion.
https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1282-hug-me-not/1187421
