Smiling at God. 6 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
At the Chapel of the Cross in Sedona, there is a patch of small flowers with a sign that reads, “Please don’t pick us, we are smiling at God…”
Such a nice thought. My friend got such a kick out of it, she took a photo, and mentioned it several times on our drive home. She is a crafter, and I have a feeling I will see a sign like that pop up in her yard soon.
Chapel Cactus Do-over. 5 x 5 watercolor and gouache on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
I made several attempts to improve my cactus piece. But I think I just need to move on, and start fresh. I just can’t get the foreground to look decent. I washed off the area, started that over. But it is not an improvement.
I added some darker areas, but the values still look pretty much the same.
Here is the original.
Chapel Cactus. 5 x 5 watercolor and gouache on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
I had fun, and I am looking forward to painting more succulents!
Take a look at day 8 on Leslie Seata’s 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!
My Pinterest board for the event is bursting with flowers, and skies,
and campers, and cats…
I just love the joyful spirit in your work!
Thanks so much Christiane
What a charming saying – smiling at God – and a charming painting to go with it. I think the changes you made on the cactus make it better but, as you say, there is still something off – what a challenge! Have a great day Sheila.
Wish I could take the credit for it
I might try Dotty’s suggestions and see what happens with the cactus. Thanks for stopping by Val 
Great day to you as well.
What a lovely saying!!! They look like dancing poppies but not poppy season!!! Love your loose style!!!
Glad they look like something Carol! HAHA, Hope you have fun today
I like them all Sheila! I always look forward to seeing your entries for the challenges
Thanks Cindy! I love seeing your work my friend, and your WIP
Love, love, love your new painting!!! It’s perfect!!! Your cactus is looking really good too!
LOL, thanks karin
Wow another 30 day challenge. So great that you are participating.
I wasn’t sure I was going to make it, but I always look forward to these months. Best wishes to you April
I respectfully disagree, Sheila..the value contrasts are much more evident, and it makes a big difference. Great job! And the foreground is now in front. Nice. Every painting has the opportunity to bring learning experiences, right? (especially the frustrating ones).
The flowers- I noticed them immediately on Leslie’s blog. I love them, and your perspective you used. They really DO look like they’re smiling at God. Love that!
This was a learning experience, and that is why instead of being disappointed, I am eager to try again.
So glad you like the flowers Laurie! I can’t wait to see what you have been up to 
Hi Sheila. I love that thought of flowers smiling at God (and I’m not a believer!). And the succulents. I think they look great. Even though your not happy yet, I say: the added darks between them is an improvement.
So glad Corinne
Thanks for visiting, I appreciate your input 
Have fun today!
With “Smiling” I am particularly smiling at the sky, with its softnesses, color gradations, and textural touches.
With “Cactus” I love the changes you made in the background. Re your still not being satisfied and thinking you might just need to move on, I know next to nothing about watercolor and gouache so don’t really know what’s possible in the revision process. Some musings, if they might lead you somewhere:
• to me, the foreground bottom right doesn’t look abstract enough to be nothing, nor realistic enough to be something
• could you extend the foreground area to the left (keeping the diagonal)?
• trim the whole piece by a half inch all the way around
• or cut it into four squares and make a set of greeting cards
…
: )
Dotty I love your ideas, thank you
I was considering cutting out the cactus, and using it in a collage. I think you are absolutely correct about the foreground, and extending it is something that did not even cross my mind. I can trim and cut it virtually in Photoshop to get an idea of what is best. Hmmm… you might be seeing this one again 