Category Archives: Cacti & Succulents

February 2020 30-Day Creative Gathering, Day 19

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.

Day 15 Of February’s 30

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Day 15, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, mixed media on Arches cold-pressed 140 lb. paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

This is a Corkscrew Rush. I think. I have seen these as ornamentals in landscaping also potted indoors. The leaves are pencil-like. Round. They spiral and curl and grow every which way. So fun don’t you think?

I started with a patterned paper. Used a brayer to add layers of green and turquoise. Added watercolor crayon in areas, and used a pen to bring out some of the patterns.