desert paintings Archives - Teresa Bernard Oil Paintings

June 6, 2024February 12, 2025

Prickly Pear Cactus

$180

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Details & Description

Title: Prickly Pear Cactus
Size: 9″ w x 12″ h
Canvas Type: Canvas Board
Framing: Unframed
Signed: On the front 
COA: Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Series: Part of the Life in Texas Series
A Teresa Bernard Oil Painting

A prickly pear cactus is the main focus of this oil painting. Its close-up view emphasizes the cactus’s broad green pads and bright red fruit.

This one-of-a-kind painting is a close-up composition of the prickly pear cactus. From the green pads with their spines to the red fruit against a bright blue sky, this is a colorful and vibrant painting that adds to the decor of any room. The painting is signed in the lower right-hand corner by Texas artist Teresa Bernard.

Prickly Pear Cactus is hand-painted on a premium canvas board; it will need to be mounted in a frame before it is put on display. This wall art includes an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

The actual canvas art does not have the copyright watermark ©️ teresabernardart.com.

Read more about the Life in Texas Series here.

Artist Comments

Prickly pear cactus are hardy plants, well-adapted to arid conditions and are famous for their flavorful fruits and showy flowers.

From my “Life in Texas Series.” This painting of a prickly pear cactus was a fun one to do. It brought back memories of my childhood. I grew up in west Texas where these flowering desert plants are commonplace. One doesn’t really give much thought to them unless you have a personal encounter with one. Ouch! Some varieties have really long thorns that can really hurt if you’re not careful.

—Teresa Bernard

Your Feedback

“Wow I thought it was a photo when scrolling past. Just grilled up a prickly pear last month – yum!” — @wedareto, TRUTH Social

“So pretty… I love prickly pears!!!” — @kamilasart, TRUTH Social

“Cacti very likely represent the thorns and thistles that man must reap after his fall. I believe they may also represent refreshment and survival in the most difficult of situations. Humans and animals often find refreshment and water within cacti. It isn’t ideal, but many have survived in the most dire of circumstances. God be with you all. May we fully experience the refreshment of God in this age and the age to come.” — @ArtMusic_only, Gab

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May 5, 2024October 24, 2024

Texas Horned Lizard (Horny Toad)

Texas horned lizard art — Texas Horned Lizard wildlife painting by Teresa Bernard © Copyright 2018 – Present

$120

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Details & Description

Title: Texas Horned Lizard
Size: 6″ w x 6″ h
Canvas Type: Gallery Wrap Stretched Canvas
Frame: Unframed; Ready to Hang
Signed: On the front 
COA: Signed Certificate of Authenticity 
Series: Part of the Life in Texas Series
A Teresa Bernard Oil Painting

This small wildlife painting depicts the Texas Horned Lizard. It would make an excellent gift for a budding herpetologist or someone with an interest in reptiles.

An original wildlife painting of the Texas horned lizard, also known as the horny toad by native Texans. This is a close-up painting of the lizard who sits on a neutral-colored background. The artwork is signed in the lower left by Texas artist Teresa Bernard.

This painting is perfect for cramped spaces or rooms because of its small size. It was painted by hand on 6×6-inch gallery-wrapped canvas. Texas Horned Lizard has a stylish look because its composition spills over the canvas’s edges. This art piece will look fantastic in your house, business, or wherever else it is hung, whether it is framed or not. This desert critter wall art comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA) upon purchase.

The original canvas painting does not have the copyright watermark ©️ teresabernardart.com.

Read more about the Life in Texas Series here.

Artist Comments

The Texas Horned Lizard, or simply “horny toad” as we called them when I was a kid growing up in west Texas, was a fun painting to do. It brought back lots of fond childhood memories. As children, my friends and I would see these little spiked critters all the time and often would play with them for a while, and then we would release them. As an adult, I noticed they aren’t in abundance so much anymore. So, I did a little research to find out why. Here is what I discovered from my readings.

In Search of the Horny Toad

About 70% of the Texas horned lizard’s diet is made up of harvester ants. Through the years, their population has declined by about 30%. Although I’m happy to read that they may be making a comeback. The decline is due to the overuse of pesticides and the spread of nonnative fire ants. Both eradicate harvester ant colonies, destroying the lizard’s principal source of food. The Texas horned lizard is now a protected species, and, in Texas, it is illegal to take, possess, transport, or sell them without a special permit.

According to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, issue August/September 2018, “Texas horned lizards once occurred throughout Texas, but now only a few populations remain. Efforts to move Texas horned lizards from one location in Texas to another, with the hope of establishing new self-sustaining populations in previously occupied habitats, are underway. Several Texas zoos are also working to develop colonies for reintroduction programs. RAWA (Recovering America’s Wildlife Act) funding would pay for “lizard factories” to help with reintroduction efforts.”

I shared a post about my findings on social media and received some interesting comments from my friends and followers.

One friend whom I’ve known since my early teen years lives in a small Texas town. She told me they have a horny toad festival every year called The Old Rip Festival. And it’s all about a horny toad named Old Rip! She sent me a link to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine website. It tells all about the legend, lore, and legacy of Old Rip, a horny toad that supposedly lived for 31 years!

Another follower comments, “you still see these in West Texas and Panhandle. Fire ants haven’t taken over every inch of ground as they have here, and harvester ants are still there, so that helps with the “horny toads.” Hope they make a comeback here someday.”

—Teresa Bernard

Your Feedback

“Interesting, so beautiful..” — @andybaldwin, MeWe

“I love these little critters and my sis-in-law is seeing them in all stages on her ranch in Mathis..come on little dudes, make a comeback.” — @Char78613, Gab

“We have a similar lizard here, the Eastern Fence lizard, where I live.” –@adamcharleshovey, MeWe

“It is amazing how you are able to convey the “spiky” nature of the lizard through your clever use of brushing to create the spikes and rough/harsh texture of the skin of the animal.” — @TheBlackHeart, Gab

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April 21, 2024March 9, 2025

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

$140

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Details & Description

Title: Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
Size: 6″ w x 8″ h
Canvas Type: Gallery Wrap Stretched Canvas
Framing: Unframed; Ready to Hang
Signed: On the front 
COA: Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Series: Part of the Lighthouse Series
A Teresa Bernard Oil Painting

A painting of the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in oils on canvas. This lighthouse stands watch alone on the North Sea shores of Denmark.

This small canvas painting features the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse, with Denmark’s North Sea visible behind the structure. The lighthouse, which sits on the sand dunes in the foreground, is the focal point of the piece. Artist Teresa Bernard signs her work in the lower left corner.

The Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse painting is a distinctive piece that does not require framing for display. Hand-painted on a gallery-wrapped canvas, the artwork’s composition extends beyond the canvas edges, offering a seamless visual experience. The painting comes with a personalized Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

The physical canvas artwork does not have the copyright watermark ©️ teresabernardart.com.

Artist Comments

I love lighthouses! While living on the east coast, I had the opportunity to visit several of them on the shores of the Outer Banks. I also enjoy painting them and have done so numerous times throughout my fine art career. Several of those paintings were of lighthouses I had visited while living nearby. There are, however, many others in this big world that I have yet to visit and hope to do so someday. One such lighthouse is the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse. It is the subject of this painting.

—Teresa Bernard

More about Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

Lighthouses have stood as iconic structures along coastlines for centuries, guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. Each lighthouse has its unique history, character, and architectural design and Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse is no exception.

On the sand dunes of Denmark’s North Sea coast sits a lonely watchtower known as Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse. Its beacon once stood watch, guiding ships and other watercraft through dangerous waters. Today, however, it is in danger of falling into the sea. Shifting sands and coastal erosion are major issues in the area. The coast is eroding at a rate of 4.9 feet per year.

The lighthouse ceased operating in 1968. Its buildings were then used as a museum and coffee shop for a number of years before being abandoned due to shifting sands. The small buildings were later demolished after being severely damaged by the sand pressure.

At the current rate of erosion, the tower would have fallen into the sea by 2023. However, in 2019, a preservation group set about relocating it, and the 75ft-tall, 720-ton lighthouse was moved 230 feet inland on specially built rails. The relocation is expected to ensure the lighthouse’s survival until at least 2060.

Your Feedback

“That’s really sad! I hope they can save it! This is a gorgeous painting of it!” — @WonkyArtist, TRUTH Social

“I am very fond of lighthouses and your work is exquisite. ” — @Dftw21, Gab

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April 8, 2024February 28, 2025

Monument Valley — Navajo Nation

Monument Valley painting by Teresa Bernard © Copyright 2009 – Present

Was ~~$480~~

Now $280

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Details & Description

Title: Monument Valley — Navajo Nation
Size: 16" w x 12" h
Canvas Type: Traditional Stretched Canvas
Framing: Unframed
Signed: On the front 
COA: Signed Certificate of Authenticity
A Teresa Bernard Oil Painting

A desert landscape painting of Utah’s Monument Valley National Park. The valley is a sacred area that is part of the Navajo Nation Reservation.

An original painting depicting Monument Valley National Park in Utah captures the essence of this desert expanse. The red-rock buttes stretch into the distance beneath a vast blue sky, lending the artwork a profound sense of depth. Signed by the artist Teresa Bernard in the lower-left corner, this piece would complement any rustic or Western-themed decor beautifully.

Monument Valley is a landscape painting hand-painted on a traditional stretched canvas with the sides left raw or unpainted. The artwork will need to be mounted in a frame before being put on display. For those who love the finished or traditional look of a frame, this works well. Includes a custom Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

The original canvas painting does not have the copyright watermark ©️ teresabernardart.com.

Artist Comments

Monument Valley in Utah, often referred to as the “Valley of the Rocks,” is recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world and is arguably the most iconic representation of the American Old West. The valley has been a preferred setting for Western films for many years. Its isolated red mesas, dramatic spires, and sandstone buttes, set against a backdrop of a vast, sandy desert, have been captured on film and in photographs numerous times throughout history.

Called Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgaii (Valley of the Rocks) by the Navajo, this famous valley lies in the southern part of Utah near the Arizona border within the Navajo Nation Reservation. When you first approach the area, these rock “monuments” will take your breath away. The eerie rock formations make you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. It is truly one of the most majestic places on earth.

The first time I visited Monument Valley National Park, I knew right away I’d be doing a painting of this beautiful valley. Indeed, I have created multiple paintings of this location. I also have memories of several paintings I did of this place when I was a young student of art studying art under my dad, a professional oil painting artist. My dad loved painting this location too and produced several oil paintings of it himself. The whereabouts of these paintings remain uncertain after they were sold to art collectors and local businesses in the small town where we lived.

—Teresa Bernard

For more information about Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, visit their website.

Art Critique
Read a fan's art critique of this painting at the following link: Oil Painting Critique: Monument Valley, written by Maverick Camden.

Your Feedback

“Looks like a scene from one of the cartoons 🙂 Amazing! Keep it up!” — @Trader82, Gab

“Gorgeous! From one oil painter to another – I love your work.” — @Tialin, TRUTH Social

“Beautiful you are very talented! I will definitely be in touch !!” — @Duch20, TRUTH Social

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March 28, 2024May 3, 2025

Camelthorn Trees of Africa

camelthorn trees painting — The Camelthorn Trees of Africa painting by Teresa Bernard © Copyright 2011 – Present

$480

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Details & Description

Title: Camelthorn Trees of Africa
Size: 24" w x 24" h
Canvas Type: Gallery Wrap Stretched Canvas
Framing: Unframed; Ready to Hang
Signed: On the front 
COA: Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Series: Part of the Adventures in Africa Series

This large painting depicts the African Camelthorn Trees of Namib-Naukluft National Park in a surrealistic composition, but it is actually a realistic depiction.

A surreal-like painting of the famous camelthorn (or camel thorn) trees in the desert dunes of African Namib-Naukluft National Park. The lifeless trees are in silhouette and surrounded by sand bathed in vibrant colors of orange and blue. Hand-painted and signed in the lower left-hand corner by fine artist Teresa Bernard.

This unique desert painting is painted by hand on gallery-wrapped stretched canvas. It doesn’t require a frame before display because the composition stretches around the sides of the canvas giving it a modern look. Whichever you prefer, framed or not, Camelthorn Trees of Africa will make an excellent conservation starter in your home, place of business, or wherever it is displayed. Comes with a custom Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

©️ teresabernardart.com is a copyright watermark and is used exclusively online. It is not on the physical canvas artwork.

Read more about the Adventures in Africa Series.

Artist Comments

This camelthorn trees painting was a fun one to do. At first, it appears to be a bit surreal; not the art genre that I do. I’m a realist painter, which means I try to paint things as they appear. The artwork is a landscape painting created from a photograph of Namib-Naukluft National Park in Africa. It depicts camelthorn trees with a dune rising in the background. The dune is bathed in orange by the effects of a rising sun. The trees are in shadow from another nearby dune. Some believe these trees have been dead for hundreds of years and that their failure to decompose is because the desert is so arid.

—Teresa Bernard

For more information about Namib-Naukluft National Park in Africa, visit their website.

Your Feedback

“Fabulous! Love the storyline! I have a photo of a similar plot in S Africa from 2007- will search my digital camera… keep sharing! Important …” — @Eelliott001, Gab

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March 25, 2024February 13, 2025

Lighthouse of Palo Duro Canyon

palo duro canyon painting — The Lighthouse of Palo Duro Canyon painting by Teresa Bernard © Copyright 2016 – Present

$280

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Details & Description

Title: Lighthouse of Palo Duro Canyon
Size: 16" w x 12" h
Canvas Type: Gallery Wrap Stretched Canvas
Framing: Unframed; Ready to Hang
Signed: On the front 
COA: Signed Certificate of Authenticity 
Series: Part of the Life in Texas Series
A Teresa Bernard Oil Painting

A landscape painting of Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s famous Lighthouse geological rock formation.

A one-of-a-kind landscape painting of the famous Lighthouse geological rock formation of Palo Duro Canyon, the largest canyon in Texas. It stands alone on the canyon’s edge, a testament to the beauty of the Texas Panhandle. Hand-painted and signed in the lower left-hand corner by Texas artist Teresa Bernard.

The art piece Lighthouse of Palo Duro Canyon can be displayed anywhere without a frame. The artist expertly extended the artwork onto the sides of the gallery wrap stretched canvas it is composed on. If your choice is to have it framed, it will look beautiful in your home or place of work! Comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

Read more about the Life in Texas Series here.

Artist Comments

In 2015 my husband Robert and I traveled to Amarillo, TX, on vacation. While there, we visited the Palo Duro Canyon State Park several times, as it quickly became the highlight of our trip. The Lighthouse is one of many “must-see” attractions when visiting this park. Multiple visits to the canyon also provided me with many photo ops that would be used as reference material for this Palo Duro Canyon painting and future paintings of this park.

—Teresa Bernard

Fun Facts About Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, TX. Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of Texas” because of its size and resemblance to the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. It is the second-largest canyon in the U.S., measuring 120 miles long, 20 miles at its widest point, and 800 feet at its maximum depth. It also has over 29,000 scenic acres for the tourist or vacationer to enjoy. Like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Palo Duro Canyon features dramatic geological features, multicolored rock layers, and steep mesa walls.

For the park visitor, there are hiking trails, campgrounds, horseback riding, and more! The canyon is also host to TEXAS Outdoor Musical; the longest-running musical ever performed on stage. This world-renown musical drama has been performed on an outdoor stage in the canyon since 1965.

For more information about this Texas state park, visit their website.

Your Feedback

“Beautiful! You are very talented!!!” — @StephieOcean, Gab

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