1st Saguaro. 4 x 6 watercolor on paper. © 2017 Sheila Delgado
Here is the first, once thought failed, cactus. What do you think? Is this a good save?
The sky started as a solid plane of color. The blue was just dark enough, that I was not sure additional layers would show up. But they do. Whew! It is a little spindly. The rows are a bit uneven. Still, there is nice texture, some mixing of colors, and a few nice blooms. I am very happy with how this turned out!
Wishing you JoY!
appealing asymmetries, commanding composition, blues and blooms, limes and lines—a sweet treat on a closed-in gray rainy day in March in New England
LOL 🙂 Yes, commanding. Too late I thought, I could have pushed it back a bit. I could have named it “In your face Saguaro”. Well, maybe not. LOL. Ahh rain, lucky 🙂 We had a little bit last night. Enjoy Dotty!
I loved the in-my-face nature of the saguaro : )
LOL 🙂
Yes, it is definitely a good save! A joyful cactus, love the variations in the background and then how that deeper blue grounds the trunk (?) of the plant. How do you make the small dot variations in the lines of the cactus? I like the unevenness of the lines. It feels more organic.
Thanks Laurelle :)The white dots on the cactus are done with a small brush and white gouache. The lines are watercolor pencil. Organic is a good word. 🙂 Great to hear from you, have an awesome day!
I like it, but my opinion isn’t really relevant, your opinion is what matters.
FWIW, I’m going to echo the sentiment above. In nature, there are no perfectly symmetrical anythings…
Nice work Sheila!
You are an artist Dave. You have the artists eye, and I value your input. 😉 Always good to hear from you! You are right about all the anythings 🙂
Every cactus I have ever seen has been imperfect and not straight. This is pretty cool! Love it. Where are the blooms? The white dots?
True Kat. One of these that perfectionsit voice will learn to keep it’s mouth shut. LOL 🙂 The blooms, watercolor blooms, are sort of all over, but you can see one on the lower right side. They happen when you add wet paint onto damp paper. The “wetter” moves the “dryer”, damp color. You get interesting, ruffly edges. You can do it with a color, or by just adding water. This fun video shows you.
I have not used alcohol for this technique. Looks fun though!
I like the changes to the sky Sheila; it is more alive now. As for the line on the cactus – I didn’t even notice that they are uneven – shh, don’t tell and know one will notice. Have a good night.
LOL, thanks for the reminder Val 🙂 Rest well!