Category Archives: Watercolor

30 in 30, Day Two

Today was a struggle. I started a 9 x 12 portrait. One that I have been wanting to do for a while now. Right now it is in the ugly-time-to-trash it phase. I was trying to paint large and loose. Well, after five hours, I can no longer hope for loose. The thing is, the face is looking pretty good, just the rest of it is muck. So maybe I can save it tomorrow, and crop it way down, and have the gift for a friend I was trying for.

I am reminding myself, that watercolor is a difficult medium. I know what I am doing wrong… but It is not helping me to get it right. It is 8:24. I need to post my piece here to be able to post it on Leslie’s site as well. Done is better than perfect. Sometimes. Right?

I am not happy with this either. I toiled diligently, so it is going to have to do. So happy for all of my friends who are participating! Your work today is so awesome!

Acrylic, watercolor and pen 3 1/2 x 4

30 Paintings In 30 days, Day One

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Painting #1 for Leslie Saeta’s September 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. I started this on August 23rd and it has been sitting unfinished, because I thought I botched the background. I finally made the attempt to “fix” it. I scrubbed out the first layer which was Alizarin crimson and French ultramarine. Over that I layered Inktense Deep Indigo. I am so happy with the result. There is a hint of the red in some areas, and it brings a warm light in. I haven’t thought of a name for her yet, do you have a suggestion?

Watercolor 4 x 5, 140 lb Cold Press, © Sheila Delgado 2013

Acrylic on canvas panels

I have also added more layers to the canvas boards. I smudged, scraped, and applied paint with a twig. I took out some of the light colors, then added them back in. And I thinned the turquoise and then scrubbed a bit of that back on. There is a nice texture building up. I have lost count, but there are about eight layers so far. I have chosen some quotes from favorite poems, and I am planning to add those at some point. My hand lettering skills are a weakness, so I am crossing my fingers I can pull it off. Acrylic on canvas panel

Leslie Saeta – 30 paintings in 30 days September Challenge

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In 9 days I will begin a month long challenge to create a painting a day. I will be away from my studio for half of that time, and I have a feeling it may get a little tricky. I have not chosen a theme, but I might try to use the same palette throughout. I will be working small 3 in. x 3 in., 4 x 6 or 5 x 5.

Leslie Saeta is the events organizer and mastermind. She is an award winning artist who paints fresh and colorful paintings using only a palette knife. She paints in her studio full time and has over 30 years of marketing experience. In addition to painting, she is devoted to helping other artists sell their art, especially on-line. She hosts a weekly talk radio show titled “Artists Helping Artists” which is a great resource tool for all artists. The show is currently listened to by over 5000 artists per week.

Join us! Currently there are 167 artists taking part, but the list is growing. There are no rules. You choose the medium, the size, the subject.

I have also joined a mixed media group on Creative Souls. I am planning to work in watercolor for the 30, but I am sure there will be some overlap. Here is a peek at a portrait. I am going to do a few in advance, in case I have a hard time working away from my studio. Hope you have an awesome week!