Desert Gold: A Watercolor Cactus Series Inspired by the Sonoran Landscape

Watercolor on Watercolor Paper, Gold Leaf and Ink / SOLD

*Prints available for purchase

There’s something magical about the Sonoran Desert—the way the light shifts throughout the day, casting dramatic shadows across the cacti and illuminating the landscape in warm, earthy tones. This 3-piece watercolor series was born from that inspiration. I wanted to capture not just the look of the desert, but the feel of it—calm, resilient, and quietly radiant.

Each piece in the series features a different cactus form, painted in soft watercolor layers on 9x12 watercolor paper. I kept the color palette natural and serene—dusty greens, soft ochres, and muted pinks—allowing the delicate nature of watercolor to echo the quiet beauty of the desert itself.

To give each painting an extra pop and sense of sunlit shimmer, I finished them with hand-applied gold leaf. The gold catches the light beautifully, creating a warm contrast to the organic softness of the watercolor and adding a modern touch to the rustic charm.

This series was as much about honoring the desert as it was about experimenting with texture and light. The combination of fluid watercolor and bold metallic detail feels like the perfect representation of the Sonoran Desert—graceful, enduring, and full of subtle surprises.

All three pieces are 9x12 and available individually or as a set.

Interested in adding one (or all three) to your space? Reach out for pricing and availability, or to commission a custom desert-inspired piece.