
Postcard for a friend. Watercolor and pen on paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
Just in time to get this in today’s mail. Happy Monday to you!

Postcard for a friend. Watercolor and pen on paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
Just in time to get this in today’s mail. Happy Monday to you!

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:
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.

Ocotillo Sketch. 2.5 x 3.5 watercolor on paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
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!