Salvatore Zofrea Flame tree in morning light

I was inspired to compose this vision of the flame tree with morning light embracing its canopy of red flowers in a blazing joy of creation. I used brilliant vermillion to capture how the sun reveals the tree and makes it seem almost on fire.

The foreground of the painting is composed of shadows, which dramatise these first rays of light. Gradually, as the light grows more dazzling, the shadows take shape, showing the great beauty of each wildflower.

To me, this is the daily miracle of the Australian bush – when day is born and nature and light become as one.

- Salvatore Zofrea, 2014