Prima Donna

I've been studying what happens to cactus blooms as they evolve from the early stages of day until the last rays of sun are fading away. Each variety is different and Prickly Pear have been especially interesting as their color actually changes as the pollinators visit them over the course of the day. They also behave differently depending on weather, amount of sun and temperature. They are fascinating! This one I visited in the morning and photographed several times throughout the day. This painting is derived from an early, 8:30 AM viewing. Don't you think this Cactus is a bit of a Prima Donna, with all that dramatic shadow and light!?