Arizona | Sheila's Corner Studio

Ocotillo Sketch. 2.5 x 3.5 ATC, watercolor on paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado. sheiladelgado.com

This quick sketch was done before bed. I hadn’t painted that day, and felt I had to do something. We saw many Ocotillo on the drive to Prescott. Most along the road were obviously, very spindly. Still, they flaunted bright red flowers. I wasn’t driving, so I was able to take photos. Stopping at times for a closer look.

Ocotillo with a view.

Roadside Ocotillo.

These photos were taken on the 60, between the 10 and Aguila Arizona. In one of the small towns we stopped for these close-ups. What a difference a little water can make.

Ocotillo bush.

Ocotillo Blooms.

According to Wikipedia, fresh flowers can be eaten and have a tangy flavor. The flowers are also collected and used for tea. Ocotillo is not a true cactus. These flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and native carpenter bees. Here’s a look back at the Carpenter Bee I painted in 2014. And another. And the Bee Exhibit in Germany.

Ocotillo Flame.

Hope you enjoyed these flowers as much as I did. I already have ideas for repeat patterns using this plant. Happy creating everyone!

Trees in downtown Prescott AZ. April 2016 Sheila Delgado

Spring in Prescott Arizona. SMD

Back from Arizona. And in the mail, my last two side swap postcards. (No Really, these are the last two.) The gorgeous flower photo below is from Teena Lurlene and came to me from Richmond Virginia. Teena says the photo is untouched by Photoshop. Hard to believe (but I do Teena) because the colors are so lovely! Hard to tell in my photo, but the leaves are a stunning shade of Princely purple. I had to smack my self to stop staring.

The image in the top corner shows how the card arrived, the top layer had been neatly rolled back. No worries, double-sided tape to the rescue. Good as new! Teena said she chose this card for me, because I love flowers. Thank you Teena, I sure do love this one!

L.Y.A. Side swaps. Vibrant Flower by Teena Lurlene and Zentangle Art by Kat van Rooyen.

L.Y.A. Side swaps. Vibrant Flower by Teena Lurlene, Zentangle Art by Kat van Rooyen.

Kat van Rooyen’s card is so fun. That swirl in the middle makes me hungry. Reminds me of a licorice rope. It was fun reading everyone’s take on the L.Y.A. Facebook page. I love these patterns, including the “zingers” on the top. They look like little bee hives. Kat included this on the back of her card:

No one can see through your eyes,
no one can speak your art.
Create!

Thanks for this terrific reminder Kat! You can find more of Teena’s and Kat’s work by clicking on their link. They are both on Facebook as well. Thanks so much to both of you, for sharing these wonderful images with me! Brightened my day!

Prescott, Arizona

The trees above surround the Yavapai County Courthouse, in the center of Downtown Prescott. I took the photo from the car, as we were sitting at a light. Looking up. The dark branches, the pale yellow-green leaves, the blue of the sky. Couldn’t resist.

The new house is moving right along. We go back at the end of May for the inspection. They have started to extend our street, so there will be lots of activity. Here is a peek at the view out my “studio” window. The homes across the street are set far apart. So for the most part, it will remain unobstructed. Knock on wood.