The Golden Flower Arrangement

Since 2020 I have tried never to miss the wildflowers on Pajarito Mountain in Los Alamos along the Meadow Trail. I am always drawn to meadows and blooms, even when the turnout is smaller than in past years. This season there were fewer flowers, but each cluster was alive with butterflies. I counted more than six butterflies gathered on a single arrangement, competing for the limited blooms.

While scouting I came across what I thought was the most beautiful arrangement, though I could not explain why at first. I pulled out one of my viewfinders, a gift from my partner, and to my surprise the flowers aligned with the golden ratio. It was the first time I had recognized this composition in nature and confirmed it. My brain loved what it saw, and I knew immediately I had to sketch it.

I worked quickly, focusing on form and composition over color, but the horseflies soon found me. They were relentless, and I eventually had to retreat. Still, the experience of spotting the golden ratio in the wild was unforgettable.

Micron pen and pencil on paper. About 20-30 min. sketch.