Charley Harper (American, 1922–2007) The Desert Charley Harper’s The Desert was originally featured on a poster commissioned by the US National Park Service. The painting includes an abundance and variety of flora and fauna, from the gila woodpecker (center) to the white-throated woodrat hiding beneath it. Nocturnal creatures blend into the darkness, but their eyes glow, ever alert! Harper made paintings filled with color, motion, and fun—as exemplified by this 1,000-piece puzzle.