When I first moved to Arizona, over 20 years ago, I was immediately drawn to a colorful, tropical plant that seemed so out of place in the desert. You could see it everywhere during the summer when most plants have gone dormant. The locals call it Mexican Bird of Paradise but it's real name is Red Bird of Paradise.. The locals call it Mexican Bird of Paradise, but its real name is Red Bird of Paradise. 
It flourishes in the heat, attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It blooms bright yellow, orange and red surrounded by fern like bright green leaves. It blooms bright yellow, orange, and red, surrounded by fern-like bright green leaves. It is a magical crescendo leading into fall.
This mixed media painting was created by printing the actual blooms of the plant over a watercolor painting mounted on a hardboard surface. It measures 24" x 20" x 1.5" and does not need to be framed.