Category Archives: Gouache

Thankful for Improvement

Hills. 8 x 8 watercolor and gouache on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

Some days the light turns the fields so bright that they seem to be glowing. Other times the hills seem to vibrate with a warm earthy pink. Very happy with this one. Closer to the vision that was gnawing at me.

Monday was our Thanksgiving due to work schedules. I had to wait to paint until everyone else was in bed. My brother was trying to think of a Thanksgiving song. None of us could. I thought of Over the River. I remember the Peanuts gang singing it. But the full version is clearly for Christmas.

Here are a few more I found.

Do you know any Thanksgiving day songs?

Mountains Blue

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Started this by splashing white gouache on the paper. Next I sketched with indigo Inktense pencil, and added more gouache to soften the lines. I worked quickly. Just felt the need to put brush to paper before turning out the lights.

I am excited about my new phone. The camera is better than the old one. I did not want a new phone, but I had no service here at the house and had to switch carriers. A new camera makes up for having to learn the ins and outs again. Still can’t figure out how to set up my voicemail.

So my terrible, fuzzy photos will be a bit sharper. Wooo Whoo! Here is one of the mountain range as it heads south.

View from Prescott Valley, AZ.

And here is a close up of Mingus.

Mingus.

Still working with the inks, following along with Sandy Sandy‘s FUNdamentals of Alcohol Ink E-course. I haven’t had time to work on finishing a piece. But I am experimenting, learning which colors work well together.

I tried to make my own felt pad, I saw an example online using a binder clip, felt and tape. But I wasn’t really happy with it and I bought the dabber Sandy recommends for the class. I made one just by rolling some felt and using the clip to hold the felt. On another, I taped the felt to the widest part of the clip. They both worked, but had the tendency to create areas of heavy application. In the center is the purchased dabber.

Alcohol ink applicators and new backgrounds.

Here is one I really like. After I dabbed on the ink, I sprayed it with blending solution. that created some soft areas where the color moved and the hard edges were lost. later I accidentally sprayed (over spray) alcohol on it, and teeny spots formed. Terrific mix of texture!

Alcohol Ink on Yupo.

Happy creating to you!

September Painting Challenge Review

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Sheila Delgado September Challenge Collage 9 2016

The September painting challenge was a salvation for me. Your kind and generous support has lifted me up, and enabled me to have a productive month. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

The move in July and August was exhausting, and threw me into a Lupus flare. Everything that could go wrong, did. (See list below.) My energy level was in the negative. I woke up depleted, and counted the hours until it was time for bed. When it was, I couldn’t fall asleep before 2 am. I lost my appetite, was short of breath and had no strength. I lost fifteen pounds.

It was a full month (August) before I had enough energy to even think about unpacking. During that time, we had workers in and out of the house. Unpacking had to wait until some of that work was completed. My goal was to be settled and ready to paint by September first. And guess what, I was!

I did not have a theme planned, nor was I able to prep or start painting before day one. Mountains, cacti, flowers and a bunny. A few themes there. All sure to be revisited. You can see my favorites from this month below.

Sheila Delgado - Favorite pieces from 9. 2016 challenge

Viewer favorites by post visits:

Day 29
Day 5
Day 14
Day 30
Day 6

The most used colors in my palette continued on from the September 2015 challenge. Many more colors I enjoy, and many I would like to try. I just find myself reaching for these staples.

Sheila Delgado Palette September 2016

Thanks again to all of you who followed along with me this month – you are a blessing!
I am so thankful for your friendship and support!

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Treat yourself to a look at the artist collages
for Leslie Seata’s 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!
My Pinterest board for the event is bursting with over 1600 works of art!

Some of you had asked about the how the move went.
Moving complications list:
truck that arrived was too small
moving crew arrived late and without needed equipment and only 2 movers, not 4
rented 2nd truck which was too small, had to exchange it
moving crew took longer to load than stated
still loading trucks as new owners were moving in
after full day of loading and cleaning, drove to Prescott
arrived at midnight, had to wait for room, which was on 2nd floor, no elevator
changed room after 2 days as we had requested the first floor (moving coolers, suitcases, and supplies needed for our two-week stay)
new house not ready when promised
19 days in hotel room

But for all that stress, we have been BLESSED since we have been in the house (19th of August). We found movers that were above all expectations. Helping to place and unwrap the furniture. They even returned a couple of times just to help move heavy pieces. The crews – landscaping, closet installers, electrician, tile, pantry woodworker – have all been supreme! We consider all of them friends.

The neighbors on our street are all from California. And with potlucks and a neighborhood garage sale today, there is no shortage of activity.

Thanks again, I am so thankful for your friendship and support!