The September painting challenge was a salvation for me. Your kind and generous support has lifted me up, and enabled me to have a productive month. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

The move in July and August was exhausting, and threw me into a Lupus flare. Everything that could go wrong, did.  (See list below.) My energy level was in the negative. I woke up depleted, and counted the hours until it was time for bed. When it was, I couldn’t fall asleep before 2 am. I lost my appetite, was short of breath and had no strength. I lost fifteen pounds.

It was a full month (August) before I had enough energy to even think about unpacking. During that time, we had workers in and out of the house. Unpacking had to wait until some of that work was completed. My goal was to be settled and ready to paint by September first. And guess what, I was!

I did not have a theme planned, nor was I able to prep or start painting before day one. Mountains, cacti, flowers and a bunny. A few themes there. All sure to be revisited. You can see my favorites from this month below.

Viewer favorites by post visits:

Day 29
Day 5
Day 14
Day 30
Day 6

The most used colors in my palette continued on from the September 2015 challenge. Many more colors I enjoy, and many I would like to try. I just find myself reaching for these staples.

Thanks again to all of you who followed along with me this month – you are a blessing!
I am so thankful for your friendship and support!

 

 

Hills 1. 4 x 5 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper.

 

Hills 2. 4 x 12 watercolor on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Cottontail Calling. 5 x 5 watercolor on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Hills in Blue. 5 x 11 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Trio. 4.25 x 8 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Here comes the rain again. 6 x 8 watercolor and gouache on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Smiling at God. 6 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

The Hills Are Alive. 6 x 8 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

All Aglow. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Purple Play. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Purple Reign. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Get Happy. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Morning’s Glory. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Keep on the sunny side. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Bell Rock. 4 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Noble Nopales. 4 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Country Roads. 4.25 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Wide awake. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Desert Dusk. 6 x 11 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Desert Heat. 4 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Desert Jewels. 4.25 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Tulips. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Cactus Quickie. 6 x 12 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Purple Cactus. 5 x 10 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Purple Cactus 2. 6 x 6 in. watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

 

Purple Cactus Plant. 7 x 10 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2016 Sheila Delgado

Treat yourself to a look at the artist collages
for Leslie Seata’s 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!
My Pinterest board for the event is bursting with over 1600 works of art!

Some of you had asked about the how the move went.
Moving complications list:
truck that arrived was too small
moving crew arrived late and without needed equipment and only 2 movers, not 4
rented 2nd truck which was too small, had to exchange it
moving crew took longer to load than stated
still loading trucks as new owners were moving in
after full day of loading and cleaning, drove to Prescott
arrived at midnight, had to wait for room, which was on 2nd floor, no elevator
changed room after 2 days as we had requested the first floor (moving coolers, suitcases, and supplies needed for our two-week stay)
new house not ready when promised
19 days in hotel room

But for all that stress, we have been BLESSED since we have been in the house (19th of August). We found movers that were above all expectations. Helping to place and unwrap the furniture. They even returned a couple of times just to help move heavy pieces.  The crews – landscaping, closet installers, electrician, tile, pantry woodworker – have all been supreme! We consider all of them friends.

The neighbors on our street are all from California. And with potlucks and a neighborhood garage sale today, there is no shortage of activity.

Thanks again, I am so thankful for your friendship and support!

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