The spring of 2000 I started a project to capture the beauty of California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica).  They grow quite well in Oregon and I spent many warm afternoons discovering the play of light through the petals and learning how to create pleasing compositions.  This is one of the best.  Their delicate, balloon-like form and translucent quality brings sunshine to even the gloomiest winter day.  California's nickname "The Golden State" came from early explorers who, from their ships, saw vast fields of the poppies covering slopes along the coastline.