Category Archives: Mixed Media

Day 20 Of The 30-Day Creative Gathering

Day 20, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, watercolor on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

I have to admit, I have had a hard time getting started each day. Seems I think about what to paint, longer than it takes for me to actually paint. Haha. Indecision. Not procrastination. I have a folder full of images, cacti, that I would like to paint. I just have a hard time deciding.

I guess that’s not a bad problem to have. I would like to start earlier. And finish before midnight. Tonight I set a goal for myself. To complete the piece in 2 hours. I wasn’t sure I could. I haven’t been timing myself. I stop for breaks and get distracted. Sometimes. But I sat down to work and didn’t stop until I was done. I had 2 minutes to spare.

Did you know cactus spines are actually highly modified leaves? This helps to prevent water loss from the surface of a leaf. The spines can also provide shade for the cactus and reduce airflow around the plant.

I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent; curiosity, obsession, and dogged endurance,
combined with self-criticism have brought me to my ideas.
Albert Einstein

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing,
but to turn it into glory.
William Barclay

February 2020 30-Day Creative Gathering, Day 19

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Day 19, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, watercolor on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

I love how the sky turned out. This is the inexpensive paper I bought from Hobby Lobby. This time, the texture is really noticeable. Love it! The key is using a sedimentary color.

A work in progress. I think. I need to add shadows. And the sand feels too… something. Too orange, too red, too busy. Too hot. Scottsdale was extremely hot the day I took this photo. And what are those rocky shapes along the edge?? And why does the sky have horns? Haha!

Still, I would say that I am happy with this piece. I had fun working on it.

I haven’t found a name for this plant. I think it is an Octopus Agave. It looks like a giant air plant. Most of the Octopus Agaves grow out from the center. This one was shaped more like a mohawk.

I want to paint this again. I used the photo as a reference for the shapes, but for some reason, I didn’t use it for the light.

‘The Creative Habit’ is basically about
how you work alone, how you survive
as a solitary artist.
‘The Collaborative Habit’ is obviously about
surviving with other people.
Twyla Tharp

Day 16 Of The 30-Day Creative Gathering

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Day 16, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, mixed media on Arches cold-pressed 140 lb. paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

Elephant bush is often called a miniature Jade, even though it is not related to Jade plants. This plant absorbs high levels of carbon from the air, making it a great plant for the home.

This succulent is eaten by elephants, also goats and tortoises. It is also used in Southern African cuisine. Often added to salads, soups, and stews. Hmm. Interesting.

I had two of these small plants. Killed them both. Even though the conditions were right. Every time I see them, I want to bring one home and try again. The teeny-tiny leaves are irresistible.