Category Archives: Medium

Paper Preparedness

I am a watercolor artist, but this is not about watercolor paper. Still, this paper is important to my creativity. It needs to be strong, durable and absorbent. Any guesses?

I am talking paper towels people.

I found these towels, I don’t know, about two years ago. Then I ran out and when I went to buy more… I could not remember which brand I had purchased.  Yes I am forgetful. Yes I am getting older. But that is not why I forgot. I forgot because it took me SO LONG to use them all.

I know, this is not a life shattering cure for the common cold. But I was ECSTATIC when I finally found the paper towel I was looking for.

OK, so enough teasing Sheila, tell us already. My perfect paper towel, is the Walmart store brand. I had tried a cheaper generic brand, but I was replacing the paper each time I worked, and often several times in the same session. These towels are thick, and really last, sometimes for weeks. I can fold them over, and use a clean side, and, fold and repeat!

Watercolor work set up

I take them off the roll, and fold them in half, three times. This is the perfect size for my desk. I also place an old wash cloth under the paper towel. I use my desk for the computer as well, but I keep my tools at the ready.

Paper towels are not just for cleaning up arty messes, check out my Google+ friend Val’s post. Awesome ideas for creating! Paper Towels and Other Things.

 

 

 

November Showers

We have had a bit of rain here in Southern California. My tail is waggin’. Oh may we be blessed by a long and wet winter! It has rained during the night, so I have not actually seen the rain. Kind of a bummer, but I am enjoying the cloudy days. The changing light, the cool temperature.

Cloudy November Sky

Cloudy November Sky

Clouds

Clouds

Trying to loosen up and not overwork.

leaf study, watercolor and acrylic on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

leaf study, watercolor and acrylic on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

 

Adios October

I am a couple of days early I know. But I am hoping that November will renew whatever bit of talent I thought I had. This month has been crummy all around.

Unexpected car repairs – CHA CHING! Not just for me, but for everyone in the house. We have been playing musical cars for weeks. Yup, I think a double-deep-dip in the ol’ treat bag is needed. Now I just need to find a kid with overflowing treats.

October has never been my favorite month. Playing dodge the scary movies on TV. Or the Linda Blair shuffle. I am ready for Hallmark channels countdown to Christmas. A month filled with sappy, happy endings!

A few more attempts here. Working on some postcard art for Visual Aids. Another “map”, but I prefer the earlier layout – square. This seems a bit “scrunched”. The start of each of these was twig scribbled black acrylic. Marks without a rhyme or reason.

Map 2, watercolor on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Map 2, watercolor on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

The marks on this reminded me of the postcard I submitted last year. That one sold at the show.

Incline 2. Watercolor and acrylic on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Incline 2. Watercolor and acrylic on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

I started with glorious, imperfect lines on the card below. And then I mucked it up by working it to death. Should have just left it alone.

Leaf me alone. Watercolor and acrylic on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Leaf me alone. Watercolor and acrylic on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

May your Halloween be sweetly spooky! Save me a Kit Kat and a Baby Ruth! Gee wiz – did you know Kit Kats came in all these flavors? What are your favorite treats at Halloween?