Tag Archives: #arizonalandscape

Pink and Purple Prickly Pear

Purple Prickly Pear, 4 x 4 gouache on Arches 140 lb. cold-pressed paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

It looks like a stack of Easter eggs to me. Messy experimental cacti. I thought it might be good for a laugh. I used leftover gouache. I added one color at a time and thought I could go back and blend. But they did not want to cooperate. The few areas where blending occurred, started to get muddy. Next time I will use multiple brushes and blend while the paint is wet.

I found calm in the process. Fun in seeing the vibrant colors.

I had an appointment today, and I was able to see the trees filled with pink and white blooms. So pretty. I was behind a semi in town, and he bumped against some of them, made it rain pretty white petals.

It has remained cold. So there is still snow on the mountain. Today it was glowing brightly in the sunlight.

A few of my favorite things for today.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you wellness!

Day 24 Of 30

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Day 24, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, watercolor on Arches 140lb. cold-pressed paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

This strange plant looks like it was brought here from the forbidden plant. It is a type of agave. Some are called century plants because it takes them nearly 40 years to bloom. Once they do, the plant begins to die. The leaves at the base often form a perfectly round “ball” shape. As the flower stalk grows, the leaves start to wither and fade, laying down like stacked papers. The stalk uses nutrition from the leaves.

The plants often develope little “pups”, offshoots around the base as well. The bloom stalk can grow as tall as 30 feet. Some agave have clumps of yellow flowers. A tasty treat for hummingbirds and bees. I can’t help finding them fascinating.

30-Day Creative Gathering, February Day 21

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Day 21, FEB C.G., 8 x 8, watercolor on paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

This is a Mexican Fencepost cactus. Also called an Organ Pipe or Organo. I like that one. It is shaped like a star from the top. The spines are along the edges, they are short and give the appearance of “hand-stitching”. Dressed and ready for the ball! Work in progress. Nothing is working here. Oops, hehe.

Here’s a winner though. Saved by the sunset!