Category Archives: Cacti & Succulents

February 30-Day Creative Gathering, Day 1

Day 1, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, mixed media on Arches 140 lb. cold-pressed paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

Woo Whoo! Here we are again. I am so happy to hear that so many of you are as excited as I am. It’s going to be a fun, and productive month!

There is a variation of greens and blues in the background of this Moon Cactus. Layers of texture that are not showing well here. I will continue working on this. The stones need help and the head needs attention as well. I did not add spines. They are so tiny, and on the yellow , they look dark and sort of dirty. I may just add some white spines around the edges.

You can see some of the texture here.

I found a basting brush at the dollar store awhile back. Made use of it in the first layers. Additional layers were added with a brayer, and there are small splatters as well.

Happy Creating to you!

Moonbeams and Desert Dreams

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It’s time for Art ON 45! Well, time for the submissions to be turned in. I pulled an all-nighter getting my piece ready to mail. Then I re-read the instructions and realized that submissions were being taken as digital images. Haha! Image and entry form sent. Alls well. It is a juried event. I’ll find out mid-month if the piece is accepted.

I started with several layers of a warm white front and back. I drew the shapes and filled them in with two shades of green. Next, I dipped a #2 pencil eraser in shades of blue and got spotty with it.

Layers of greens, blues. Painted and splattered. Then a cloak of darkness, and purply prickly pear adornment. I had a moment of trepidation before I started on the spines. The “What if I ruin it?!” Luck was on my side, I found the perfect small, skinny brush. Whew!

Moonbeams And Desert Dreams, close-up, 7 in. Acrylic on vinyl. © 2019 Sheila Delgado.

Mingus received a nice coat of snow on December 28th. Sadly, the valley stayed dry.

Two weeks later, and there is still snow on the mountain.

Mingus was hidden by clouds all afternoon.
Surprise!
Right around 9 pm giant, fluffy flakes started falling here as well.
Hooray!

Dictionary

hoo·ray/həˈrā/exclamation: hooray

1.used to express joy or approval.”This book has won all sorts of prizes. Hooray!”
2.AUSTRALIAN/NZ goodbye.”Hooray George, promise you’ll come back.”

Hooray, everyone! 👋

30-Day Creative Gathering Collage

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I’m so glad we had a 30-day challenge! Whew! And I am so thankful I was able to participate and complete 30 daily paintings! I had serious doubts I would last the whole month. And with the extra work of organizing the Facebook group, I am definitely ready for a break. Haha.

I think it has been a great month! A quick one for sure. I plan to keep up the daily painting, after our out of town company has left. I have ideas I want to try. And I have 30 4 x 6’s ready to go. Haha. Also several paintings on canvas I need to finish. I do like the 8 x 8 size I worked with this month. Not too big, and not too small.

I’m pleased with all the paintings I completed this month. There were a few I tweaked. And a few more I need to make small changes to. There are only two that I think are duds. Days 25 and 29. But I do plan to practice those techniques more.

Below is a collage of viewer favorites, according to blog visits. I am not sure how accurate that is, as I had fewer visits to the blog than I usually had during one of Leslie’s challenges.

This collage shows my favorites. I worked with collage, and stencils. Acrylic, pencil and pen. Layering elements. Worked with watercolor, and favorite familiar themes. I’d love to know which ones you like best. And why.

So grateful to all of those that followed along, and shared encouraging words. Thank you for sharing your ideas on how to improve, or suggesting new tools and techniques. The challenge would be meaningless without our conversations.

Big high five to all the participating members. You created amazing work this month! For some of you, just starting again after a long hiatus was a major accomplishment. You each have your own success story. Own it! And share it in the group!

Congratulations everyone!