Category Archives: Flowers

Ocotillo Sketch

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!

Sunny A.T.C.

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Small Sunny One. 2.5 x 3.5 ATC. Watercolor on paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

Art supplies for a road trip. sheiladelgado.com

Packed and Ready to go.

I was getting ready for our trip to Arizona. Cleaning off my desk, packing art supplies. Gathered small scraps of paper and pieces that had gone unused. But before the supplies climbed in my backpack, I had to play. Mostly just for the sake of playing. But also if I did not have time to paint on the trip, I would still have something to post. So it was play, but practical.

You know. Like when you really want to buy something you don’t need. But if you can think of a practical use for it, then it really isn’t just an impulse buy. I know at least a few of you know exactly what I’m talkin’ about. Uh Huh.

Here is another view of this. I painted it from the bottom up, but I think I like it in landscape better. I filled in that white spot in the center after the first scan. Didn’t even notice until I saw it on the screen.