"Ruby-throated Hummingbirds & Hot Peppers"

For well over a decade, birds have fluttered into my art. It started as a way to cope with the loss of my mother and to keep her memory alive. Now it provides an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced the difficulties that come with losing a loved one.

My father grows over 100 varieties of hot peppers! From jalapeños to ghost peppers, to the gorgeous purple buena mulatas. All
these beautiful bright colors were screaming to be made into a still life. Once I had my glass bowl picked out and arranged a delightful mix of chili peppers, I worked to light the scene in an eye catching way. This produced the intricate shadow reflection that grounds the piece. Rounding out the composition I added three handsome ruby-throated hummingbirds.