February 2022, Day 25
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Tag Archives: #pricklypear
World Watercolor Month, Days 5 Through 9.
These tiny 2 x 2’s are fun to paint. A nice change. I think my favorite size hovers around 8 x 8 inches. Or 10 x 10. This weekend I will be continuing work on the bear. And I have started two other canvas pieces. One is 4 x 4, and the other is 12 x 12 I think.
The skyscape below was inspired by a real sunset. When I stepped away to get my phone, the light changed, and I missed getting the shot. The clouds were all shades of pink and orange, The sky was blue and lavender grey. Storm clouds moving through.
I first learned about the color Green Gold from Angela Fehr. She is one of the artist ambassadors for World Watercolor Month. Laurie Mueller uses it often in her work also. Or maybe it is her own blend, but it has the same jaw-dropping effect. Diluted, it is almost blindingly neon. But you can get a deeper, rich hue as well. It’s a favorite in my palette.
I am sharing two revisions with you. The scans came out too dark, and I was not happy with the “black” band at the bottom. I was behind, so I went ahead and posted them. In reality, The indigo was softer, and blended to a rich, dark green. The color bled into the wet areas above, and there are some soft “finger” like details. But I needed to blend the dark with the rest of the foreground.
I added a few more blades of grass, and I think they work much better now. What do you think? The revised scans are true to life, not as vivid as the first scans. The setting wasn’t right. I like them better now. To me, I think the green gold stands out more. The oranges are not overpowering. Do you like the first version better?
Day 1, WWM, Revised, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado. 
Day 1, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 4, WWM, Revised, Sunny Delights, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado. 
Day 4, WWM, Sunny Delights, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Stay firmly in your path and dare.
Be wild two hours a day!
Paul Gauguin
When art critics get together they talk about
Form and Structure and Meaning.
When artists get together
they talk about where you can buy cheap turpentine.
Pablo Picasso
December In The High Desert
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
Yet I find it so delightful
And since I’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
My friend up north, Christine Brooks, sent me a postcard with her gorgeous photo of a Prickly Pear. In October! WOW, didn’t realize it has been that long. I asked her if I could paint it. The second attempt is so much better (above). I am out of practice with Yupo, and ended up with muddy ponds the first go-round. Haha. I was feeling relaxed with the brush in my hand, I continued until I had a real mess going. That was about two weeks ago.
Last night I started again, and everything fell into place easily. What a surprise and JOY! I noticed in my sketch, that I made the pads too large, and left very little room for the tuna’s. (Dad taught me they are called that in Mexico.) Turned out to be a happy accident. I like the composition.
It is cold, and dark, and dreary today. HOORAY! A gentle rain fell from 1 am until about 11 am. The clouds are playing hide and seek with Mingus. And we might get some snow this evening. Fingers crossed.
Wishing you JOY and wellness, PEACE and warmth!