January Semi-Self Challenge

4 x 6 in. watercolor & pen on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

Made myself a challenge, knowing full well January might be busy. Not bad, managed to get thirteen paintings done for the month. The first two here, I painted for the Love Notes postcard swap. I forgot to scan the first card. So hey, that makes fourteen paintings! More I am sure, than I would have completed had I not tried for 30.

The table above, scanned much more red than the earth, clay tone that it actually is. I was unable to tweak it in Photoshop.

I apologize for the horrible photo below. This was a fun attempt at being loose after watching a video by Angela Fehr. I embellished with watercolor pencil and splatter.

4 x 6 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

#9, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

Sunset Light, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

#8, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

#7, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

The four pieces below are much too tight, and over worked. I tried again, with better results. (See the four above.) I learned that with Quinacridone Gold and Gold Green you have to take care so they do not become dirty and dark. Lesson #1.

Lesson #2 – for either of those colors to be rich and not neon, you must layer at least three washes. Think that qualifies as a conundrum. For me anyhow. Fun in the learning though

I am holding myself to a 30 piece challenge this month as well. It may be several days of painting a series of pieces and not daily painting. I have two gifts to paint. Something different on the way.

If I were to choose favorites, they would be #7 and #8.

#6, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

#5, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

#4, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

#3, 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

Layers. 4 x 4 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

Yo No Se. 8 x 8 in. mixed media on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2018 Sheila Delgado.

13 thoughts on “January Semi-Self Challenge”

https://laurellecidoncha.com February 11, 2019 at 1:05 pm

You started the year off very creatively. I admire that you challenged yourself to do as much as you did. I love your potted flowers…no one quite does a bouquet that makes me smile like you do…and the landscape “Yo No Se,” so interesting, unexpected, original.

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Sheila Post authorFebruary 11, 2019 at 2:26 pm

Thank you Laurel for stopping by. You have been busy as well Thanks so much for your appreciation So nice to hear. Happy creating dear friend!

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carol edan February 6, 2019 at 1:16 am

Yes, hat’s off to you! Kol Ha Kavod! My favorite is the one under #3. Love the looseness and the white! Brachot!

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Sheila Post authorFebruary 6, 2019 at 10:44 pm

I like that one as well Carol. I tried several like that, but this was the only successful one. Might try them larger though
Brachot my friend

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Val van der Poel February 4, 2019 at 9:39 am

I like that you challenged yourself even though there was no regular challenge this month. I am not sure where Yo No Se is in your challenge list but it remains my favourite. Happy painting Sheila.

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Sheila Post authorFebruary 4, 2019 at 12:28 pm

Thank you Val. I like that one as well Happy quilling and painting, and deer watching!

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dotty seiter February 4, 2019 at 5:32 am

My favorite remains the 4×4 with the three discrete color shapes; it’s not numbered but I think it’s #2. I’m also liking the signature Sheila flower arrangement with its direct infusion of light and joy, and a textured vase in whose variegations I lose myself.

Hats off to you for a semi-self challenge, Sheila!

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