Category Archives: Flowers

The Longest L.Y.A.

Dandelion covered in Snow. Christine G. Brooks. L.Y.A. Side swap 2016

Roses, Marrianna Dougherty. Yellow Bloom, Original watercolor, Christine Brooks. 2016

I thought I had received all of my side swap postcards. Lo and behold, I was wrong. And not only did I receive TWO lovely cards from one of the senders, but one of them was an original painting!

All of these gorgeous cards came to me from what will be new “neighbors” in Arizona. The Dandelion is from Christine Brooks of Flagstaff. Took me a second look to realize it was not just a dandelion, but one that is covered in snow.

A day later, I received the beautiful watercolor, also from Christine. She said she painted it for me because I like sunflowers and Black-eyed Susans. How Lucky am I?! This was Christine’s first LYA. So glad you enjoyed the swap Christine! On the back, this quote:

You have nothing to PROVE,
just something to remember,
you are enough!
Jessica Ortner

The lovely roses are from Marrianna Dougherty, also from Flagstaff. As you can see the card had a rough trip, but the images are still stunning. Pretty in Pink! Flagstaff is only about an hour and a half from Prescott, so who knows, maybe we will all have a chance to meet for a creative, “play date”.

Thank you Christine and Marianna! Such a blessing to receive your art in my mailbox! I will get your cards out in the mail tomorrow.

Happy Monday ya’ll, have a super week!

Ocotillo Sketch

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This quick sketch was done before bed. I hadn’t painted that day, and felt I had to do something. We saw many Ocotillo on the drive to Prescott. Most along the road were obviously, very spindly. Still, they flaunted bright red flowers. I wasn’t driving, so I was able to take photos. Stopping at times for a closer look.

Ocotillo with a view.

Roadside Ocotillo.

These photos were taken on the 60, between the 10 and Aguila Arizona. In one of the small towns we stopped for these close-ups. What a difference a little water can make.

Ocotillo bush.

Ocotillo Blooms.

According to Wikipedia, fresh flowers can be eaten and have a tangy flavor. The flowers are also collected and used for tea. Ocotillo is not a true cactus. These flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and native carpenter bees. Here’s a look back at the Carpenter Bee I painted in 2014. And another. And the Bee Exhibit in Germany.

Ocotillo Flame.

Hope you enjoyed these flowers as much as I did. I already have ideas for repeat patterns using this plant. Happy creating everyone!

Shades Of Blue, And Yellow

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Golden Light. 2.5 x 3.5 ATC. Watercolor on paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

I really love how this turned out. It was done on inexpensive paper, with a “canvas” texture.

Last of L.Y.A.

Two more L.Y.A. side swaps arrived while I was out-of-town. The first is a fun photo from Deanie Houghtaling. I love the look of these stained and well used brushes. Old friends. Deanie lives in Phoenix, and we may get the chance to meet after our move. On the back:

I dream of painting and then I paint my dreams.
Vincent Van Gogh

Last-but-not-least

The colorful, lacy card is from Patsy Lawrence, all the way from Tennessee. I admired this card all through the swap, as it was posted over and over on the Facebook page. The colors, and the stained glass effect. So pretty. Come to find out, Patsy did several different versions of this, all of them lovely! Her message includes this quote:

“I will be an ARTIST or nothing!”
Eugene O’Neill

Patsy continues with this. “I am probably a distant relative of his, considering the stencil was found among the possessions of my grandmother O’Neill!” Fun thought!

Thank you both for sharing your art with me! Brightened my day! My album is officially full. 28 postcards. But I know I have one more card coming.

Have a super week ya’ll!

My entry, Pattern design - Kaede Ha (Maple Leaf). Watercolor leaves in shades of orange, red and Merlot on pale yellow green. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

P.S. Still time to vote in the Spoonflower design challenge. You can only vote once, but you can share the link with friends and family. Voting is open to everyone until 4/27/2016. Thanks so much for taking the time. There are over 700 entries, but it only takes a minute or two.

Thanks so much for voting!