Saguaro Matisse- Canvas

This is the first painting in Diana's new "Masters" series. This colorful new piece is called Saguaro Matisse: 

I have always admired Matisse's use of color and playful positioning of objects in a painting. He was a rebel in his day. I also love pattern in a painting, and the Matisse inspiration gave me permission to incorporate pattern in unusual places.

This may appear to be quick, fun painting, but I actually worked it and reworked it many times until I felt the balance was right and it "held together" for me.

—Diana Madaras