These are such fun pieces!  Each one measures 8"x8" and I put them in a black floater frame so nothing would compete with the bold colors and textures.  I started with New Yorker Magazine pages that I glued to the canvas.  Then I set about creating fun textures with different objects before deciding what kind of cactus would go with each background.  In some I incorporated jewels and others just more texture.

For 25 years my husband, Cruz, and I have been traveling to New Orleans.  Every time I'm inspired by the beautiful paintings of oysters that we see in the local galleries and every time I swear I'm going to paint oysters when I get home.  Well I finally did it!  The first three paintings are 30"x30" acrylic on canvas. I really enjoy the stretch of painting on a large surface.  It makes me have to pause and step back to take it all in.  The next 6 are 8"x8" acrylic mixed media on canvas in a black floater frame.  They are painted on New Yorker Magazine pages glued to canvas.  Some text and images can be seen through the paint in different areas.  I think it creates great visual texture.