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!
Have never seen or heard of these plants before. What a difference with the water! Never would have guessed they were the same plants.
Look forward to seeing what you do with these for patterns on spoonflower.
Have fun with the process
Thanks Corinna 🙂
Sheila, you have just inspired me again! To do a sketch before bedtime- good for you. I haven’t painted much at all. I need to do at least something. This is very cool. The plant itself, but I love your sketch. Simple, sweet, and characterful!
Thank you Laurie. There is a lot going on, so I have not had time to do a full painting. I have a ton of ideas, just no time. Doing a small sketch is a calm end to the day for me 🙂 Have a great one, and have fun with your pups!
Sheila, thanks for introducing me to ocotillo. If I’ve ever seen it before, it was without my knowing I what I was seeing. Your sketch is a great take-off point for a series, for sure. I like the drama of the spindly stalks and their ability to flower nonetheless—I’m going to put in a bid for your including in your series a rendering that has the stalks even more spindly and spare! Have fun!
All righty then Dotty! I had in mind to do a larger scale, and yes a more spindly plant. But lack of time and a smaller version won out. Out in the wild they are, ugly perhaps and not very eye catching, but I admire their perseverance, and that is what really makes them attractive to me 🙂
Out in the wild they are “ugly perhaps” but in the wilds of your studio they can be whatever on earth you wish them to be : )
True my wordsmith friend!
Gotta say I would never have bothered with doing a painting of the plant but the close-up of the watered plants are much more interesting and make the story. You will have to do a series with the roadside example all the way to the final glory. Thanks for sharing Sheila.
Yup, just looks like dead sticks right Val. I do want to paint this more, a series would be fun 🙂