Author Archives: Sheila

Second Try, And Something New

Deep Dark Blue. 4 x 6 in. watercolor and pen on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2018 Sheila Delgado.

This looks nothing like the original. I could not adjust the scan to make it match. And photos do not read well either. I did manage to get the blooms more true to life. They are warmer, not cool.

But the shadow is deeper. The back ground is warmer and more even in tone. There are lighter areas, but the transitions are smooth. Indigo, Cad Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Naples Yellow.

The table was a patchy mix of ochre and the green mix of Cerulean and Naples Yellow. The two colors did not merge well. I kept working the area, and finally just smoothed it out completely. I was really disappointed with the shadow, but in the end it was just about perfect. (A rarity.)

I am really happy with this piece. Just wish I could share, “the real thing”. Ha ha! And I know, I should probably just keep my mouth shut. You would never know the trial and errors. But this is the truth.

Take Two

I am going to try #1 again. Indigo did not coöperate. I was heavy-handed, the colors are not fresh and bright. This is a LIP. Learning in progress.

#1. 2.5 x 3.5 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2018 Sheila Delgado.

#2 Take Two. 2.5 x 3.5 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2018 Sheila Delgado.

#2. 2.5 x 3.5 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2018 Sheila Delgado.

ATC Abstracts

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Almost, but not quite. You’re right. You have seen these before. Sort of. I found scraps just wide enough for an ATC. Perfect for a late night mini session.

I played with the placement on #1. The indigo is higher than it was in day #28 of last month’s 30. It was working, but the paint kept spreading. Much more than I expected. The two blues are almost equal. And the ochre is too near the halfway mark. Meant for that to be higher, as well. Then to top it off, the bottom right on the indigo decided to stop spreading.

You’re right. Again. It’s fine. A colorful card. But I will be trying this again tomorrow. Timing is crucial. I need to let the wet paper dry more before adding the indigo.

This one had me laughing. Really. I was using a 1/2 inch flat brush, but the top line on the turquoise came out wavy. Really wavy. Made me think, that is what happens when you paint while drunk. But I wasn’t drunk.

I tried to fix the wave, but only managed to make the bottom wavy too. Ugh!! One more pass. Ok. Now the bottom is straight. Fourth pass, made the top line almost straight. And the entire turquoise band much too wide. It’s a math thing. Only, don’t for one second think that I can give you the equation. Much less the answer.

I am an artist, so the best I can tell you is that it just doesn’t feel right.

Check back tomorrow.

September 2018 Painting Challenge In Review

WOO WHOO!

Congratulations to the artists who took part in Leslie Saeta’s
September 2018, 30 Paintings in 30 days challenge!

In the beginning, I was working in batches, falling behind and catching up. I created two small series. That workflow sort of stuck with me, and in the end I have six small series. Maybe that gives a sense of continuity. Maybe not. Viewer favorites include days: 3, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 27, and 28.

Which are your favorites? My picks are below.

Those of you who follow my blog know that the last six months I have been preoccupied with family health issues. I knew I had a busy September schedule. I fully expected that I would not be able to complete 30 paintings.

But guess what, I did. Ha ha! Thanks in LARGE part to your friendship and support. I am so grateful. The paintings I am satisfied with, are roughly as many as in earlier challenges. I am surprised and, again, thankful.

One reason I mention my struggles, is to let other artists know… we all struggle. I hope you don’t feel alone in that. Making new friends, cheering each other on and offering ideas. The gift of friendship is such a blessing. To the artists that reached out to me – thank you! So glad to have met you through the challenge!