Author Archives: Sheila

Orchid ATC – Day Six 30 in 30

Orchid. ATC watercolor on cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

I have wanted to paint Orchids for years. They just defy description don’t they. From the plain and simple, to the outrageously exotic. There are over 25,000 species, and over 100,000 hybrids. What??? No wonder they seem so intimidating to me.

Now that I have made my first attempt, I can wipe my brow and… try again.

I am happy with how my little orchid turned out. I had planned on going loose and washy with it. And I should have added some warmth in the background. This palette is entirely too cool. But what better to brighten a dreary day than a brilliant, blushing bloom.

Stay warm out there! Take a moment to visit Leslie’s blog, you are bound to find a few sizzling summer scenes to slip into.

Day Five 30 in 30

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I think my mind is on other things. In fact I’m sure of it.

Downton Abbey premiers in four hours! Wooo Whooo! I don’t watch TV much. And I am embarrassed to say that I have counted down the months waiting for the new season to start. Of course it helps that they chose my birthday as the premier date. Happy Downton Abbey Birthday to me!

This post is in honor of a promise to a friend. Sandy Sandy, this is my crapola

I have painted cloud studies. That is what I am calling them. But they do not really look like clouds. And I can’t say just what it is I have learned, as they did not improve at all. I decided to keep painting and tried some succulents. Well, my succulents…suck.

I am blaming all of this mediocrity on Downton distraction and birthday bustle. Sandy, here is my glut of garbage. I may not have created a successful painting, but I did plenty of painting today!

Cloud Study #1

Cloud Study #2

Cloud Study #3

Cloud Study #4

Aloe Vera. 4 x 5 watercolor on cold press paper.

Succulent. 4 x 5 watercolor on cold press paper.

Flaming Flower – Day Four 30 in 30

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Flaming Flower. 5 x 4, watercolor, pen, gouache, 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Truth be told, I had these four sunflowers done before the start of the challenge. I thought I might do a series for each week of the challenge. But four does not a full week make. Still, four is a nice set of cards, place mats, coasters, mugs perhaps. Or some awesome pillows!

The title for this piece, comes from the song that came to mind today. Don McLean’s tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, Starry Starry Night. Another favorite. A classic, in my opinion that speaks of the longing that is in the heart of every artist. OK, some might argue that it is just Top Forty tripe. But to me, it speaks volumes.

Treat yourself to a bit of art today!

Pillow mock up