TherapyCactus - Southwest Landscape

By Cassie Carroll

The southwest landscape of Arizona, including the saguaro cactus, red yucca plant and barrel cactus, provided inspiration and therapy for the original acrylic painting used for this print. After being sick, bed ridden and on disability from my graphic designer job for about eight months, my doctor suggested a visit to the western desert in hopes that the dry air would help my lungs. One of the places I visited was a secluded casita outside of Marana, AZ. I fell in love with the southwest landscape and took tons of pictures showing stunning compositions of these western cacti. I had a bumpy road ahead of me once I returned home. A friend that lived near my doctor’s office owned acrylic paints that she no longer used. She gave me a key to her house and whenever I was in the area I would stop by and work on this painting. It was much needed therapy during a time of tremendous change in my life. My hope is that this southwest landscape will provide inspirational therapy for you or someone you love.