Tag Archives: #cacti

Day 19 of February’s 30-Day Creative Gathering

Day 19, 8 x 8 watercolor on Fabriano paper. © 2022 Sheila Delgado.
Day 19, 8 x 8 watercolor on Fabriano paper. © 2022 Sheila Delgado.

I was fighting with this one, and then I realized why it was not working. I was not using Arches paper. You can see in the sky, how spotty the paint settled. In the cactus as well, but the texture works there. I did nave fun with the saguaro. But I always do. Haha.

I’m like the trunk of a cactus…
I take in a dose of culture and time with friends,
then I retreat and go live on it for a while
until I get thirsty again.
Nancy Horan

The canyon country does not always inspire love.
To many it appears barren, hostile, repellent –
a fearsome mostly waterless land of rock and heat,
sand dunes and quicksand, cactus, thornbrush, scorpion, rattlesnake, and agaraphobic distances.
To those who see our land in that manner,
the best reply is, yes, you are right,
it is a dangerous and terrible place.
Enter at your own risk.
Carry water.
Avoid the noonday sun.
Try to ignore the vultures.
Pray frequently.
Edward Abbey

World Watercolor Month Wrap-Up

World Watercolor Month July 2021 © 2021 Sheila Delgado.

My July watercolor diary. I placed my favorites in the middle. I am honestly pleased with just about every piece. There are two I’d call do overs. The florals at the bottom. I was trying to paint like someone else. A new method. Lesson learned. Haha.

I painted 8 others. Two of which are complete duds. I thought they could be fixed. But no, they fought me to the end. The rest are abstract landscapes and they might make an appearance in the future. I attempted another coneflower for a grand finale. Haha. Instead, some quiet, spindly little wildflowers. But I am exceedingly happy with the vase. Haha. Silver lining.

Thanks everyone, for following along. It is always a JOY to hear from you. Thank you!

Day 31, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 31, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 30, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 30, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 29, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 29, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.

Drop by drop is the water pot filled.
Buddha

Day 28, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 28, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 27, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 27, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 26, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.
Day 26, WWM, 2 x 2 inch watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2021 Sheila Delgado.

Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.
Pablo Picasso

First forget inspiration.
Habit is more dependable.
Habit will sustain you
whether you’re inspired or not.
Octavia Butler

February 2021 30-Day Creative Gathering Collage

February 2021 30-Day Gathering Collage .© 2021 Sheila Delgado.

February was a moody month for me. Haha. At least, by the looks of my collage. I didn’t think about doing groups of three. The first was just luck of the draw. I had three sheets of paper ready to go (prepped in January). On the 10th – 18th, I found 3 each, cradled board, and canvas boards in two different sizes. Quite nice, as it removed that part of the decision-making from the equation. As Gump would say, “One less thing.” Haha.

As usual, I had lots of ideas at the beginning of the month, that I never got around to. One thing leads to another, and pretty soon I am headed down a different road. And I still have the large 36 x 36-inch blank canvas hanging on my wall. Though, I did have fun trying some ideas out with that. It is next on my list. Again.

In this creative round, there are 15 pieces I could easily chuck in the round file. But, there are 12 that I am very happy with. Not a bad percentage. There are six that I have started reworking, and I will share those with you soon. You can see some of my favorites below.

February Favorites 2021 30-Day Gathering Collage .© 2021 Sheila Delgado.

Thanks so much for following along! Your encouragement and suggestions are so meaningful to me. You helped me to keep going on the days when nothing seemed to work.

Thank you, my friends!

In a few days, I will share art and collages from the many artists who make up the Creative Gathering. They are all so extremely gifted. I am so honored to work alongside them. You will love a virtual stroll through the Gathering’s Gallery!

See you soon!

Art and friendship are absolutely connected…
Friendship is, after all, sharing a deep part of your self
with another person, and receiving the same back.
Nina Allen Freeman

I draw flowers every day on my iPhone,
and send them to my friends,
so they get fresh flowers every morning.
David Hockney