Author Archives: Sheila

Gratifying Gift Giving

Kyra. 6 x 6 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

Spent the week working on my Christmas list. Then two days in Phoenix celebrating early with friends from out-of-town. I finally worked up to courage to paint these pet portraits. I had planned on working in watercolor, but ultimately decided to use acrylics. I worked from photos. There was a lot of guessing on Tasha, most of her facial features were lost in solid black.

I am very pleased with how they turned out. Both recipients were very happy. Kyra, above, turned out better. I don’t feel I was as successful with Tasha. The pose was more difficult for me to convey. The noses know… they could have been better. Still, I think they work.

Tasha. 6 x 6 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

I experimented, and used watercolor on these next two canvases. I knew if it didn’t work, I could easily wipe them clean and start over. I wanted the colors to mix and mingle, and have that washy look. The deep sides really highlight the layers of transparent color. Unfortunately, I forgot to get photos of them.

4 x 4 watercolor and acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

When the background had dried, I used a spray sealer. Light coats, so the watercolor would not activate again. The words were applied in acrylic, outlined in pen, and sealed once more. They really look good in person. Shades of gorgeous indigo. And “Love” has the look of an old tapestry. A nice effect of the canvas texture!

My Blue Mountain Ridge

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Big Blue. 6 x 6 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

A day in the life of a mountain. From misty morn to saffron sunset. Most often, the mountains look like two ridges. You can see below, there are many more layers. This is the first I am seeing so many distinctions. Fun day!

Mingus Morning 1.

Mingus Morning 2.

When I began to paint, I thought about showing the mist over the ridge. But the indigo won out, and I painted clear blue sky with a few puffy clouds. Next time.

Mingus Afternoon.

Amazing what lucent light can do.
The mountains stand tall and strong and true.
A passing cloud, or misty shroud.
Then clear and bright.
To day’s fading light.

Sun Setting.

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

Here We Indigo Again.

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Mountain. 6 x 6 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

It is almost that time again. I have signed up for Leslie Saeta’s January 30 Paintings In 30 Days Challenge. The link is below for those of you interested in taking part. Remember, there are no rules. You do not have to paint the full 30. You just need to paint everyday. Or sketch, collage, it’s up to you! I hope to see you there!

I am trying to think of a theme. Mountains? Flowers? Desert plants? Abstracts? Or maybe a color theme. Indigo? Naples Yellow? Quin Magenta?

This is the same mountain range that I see from my studio window. I have not been successful in getting a good photo to share yet. This section is just south of my view. I love all the crags and crevices. I need to keep painting them so I can get really good at it!

I worked more on the pink ranunculus. I deepened the color between the buds. And I reworked the shadow. I know it is ridiculous to have an indigo shadow on a green vase. But it is my brush and my paper, and I wanted indigo. This time the shadow has a bit of a layered, lacy effect at the edges. More organic and less “mistake”.