This was an experiment. I was using  techniques I learned from Pauline Agnew in her Open Studio last year. She is having another one this weekend, so I thought I would get warmed up.

I created what I feel is my best painting, during her Open Studio last year. You can see it, and read more here. I didn’t name the painting then, but I have always thought of her as my African Queen.

Today’s piece is on paper. Just a dollar store children’s drawing pad. I wanted the freedom to make a mess, and I know I would treat watercolor paper too carefully. Precious commodity.

I started with a brush and watercolor, layering. Then I switched to acrylics, moving paint with twigs, Q-tips and more brushes. I sponged and splattered paint as well. These were the same tools I had used for the 4 x 4’s (yesterday).

This was first very linear, leaning towards a landscape. But it never quite formed. For about an hour, I was ready to call this trash, but then the left eye jumped out at me. While painting I saw her hair all around her, wild as if she had pulled at it while crying.  On screen, it looks a bit more masculine, sharp edges, square jaw. I added a digital mat, to see if I would like it more.

Heartbreak. Mixed media on paper. Digital mat © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Heartbreak. Mixed media on paper. 7 x 6.5 in. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

What do you see?

I am thinking this could still be a contender for submission to LOVE SAYINGS. Broken hearts are part of love and romance too!

I started 3 more pieces, just to keep from wasting paint. Excited to see where they lead me.

Have a great night, and happy painting everyone! Check out today’s paintings.