Category Archives: Postcards

30-Day Creative Gathering February 2021, Days 29 & 30

Day 30, 4 x 6 Watercolor and pen on paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 30, 4 x 6 Watercolor and pen on paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.

Tonight I tried a new watercolor paper. I was gifted several blank postcards. FUN! Thank you, Christine Brooks! Christine sent me three different types, 2 are etcher, and one is Strathmore.

I usually use cold-pressed paper, so I started with the hot press. I worked with lots of water on the background above, and it held up. It did curl while drying, but the paper was easily curved back to flat. Blending was not great. In the flowers above, I used the blending brush in Photoshop to soften some of the edges. In the cactus below, you can clearly see the paint did not move well. Still, I do think the paper is decent. For postcards, I think it works well. It would probably handle sketching nicely.

Day 29, 4 x 6 Watercolor and pen on paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 29, 4 x 6 Watercolor and pen on paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.

I fell behind in the final days, and postcards were the perfect way to catch up quickly. More for fun, than fine. Haha.

Tomorrow I will share my collage of the 30 pieces painted this month. In a few days, I will share a collection of stunning works created by the artists who participated in this month’s creative challenge.

You won’t want to miss it!

December In The High Desert

Christine's Cactus #2. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Christine’s Cactus #2. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

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.

Christine Brooks, Photographer & Artist.
Christine Brooks, Photographer & Artist.
Christine's Cactus #1. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on Yupo. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Christine’s Cactus #1. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on Yupo. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

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!

“Let us have music for Christmas…
Sound the trumpet of joy and rebirth;
Let each of us try, with a song in our hearts,
To bring peace to men on earth.”
Mildred L. Jarrell

Paint And Paper

Plethora. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Plethora. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Congregation. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Congregation. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Trio. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Trio. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Caucus. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Caucus. 4 x 6 watercolor & pen on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

Painted postcards for penpals.

Wishing you a
Blessed and Bountiful
Thanksgiving!