Arabian Postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor on 140 lb. cold press paper. ©2014 Sheila Delgado

Many Arabian motifs include ornate leaves, vines and scroll work. Compared with Greek or Moresque ornaments, it is easy to see they have been simplified. Details have been trimmed to the barest essentials. This makes them no less intoxicating.

There are two images in the plates on Arabian Ornament in The Grammar of Ornament that have sea green in them. They caught my eye right off the bat. They were taken from pavements and walls in private houses and Mosques in Cairo. These designs were created with marble in white and black, and red tiles. There is no mention of the green material, so maybe it is just an interpretation.

The majority of these decorative designs are created from basic shapes. Circle, square, triangle, star.   Familiar shapes make these designs, more accessible.

Arabian No. 5, The Grammar of Ornament

Does anyone remember those puzzle games with wood pieces in different colors and shapes? You could mix and match, the options were endless. A circle with a triangle on top could be a man in a hat. A square with a triangle became a house. I think infinite possibilities also intrigued early Arabian culture.

Pear. Watercolor on YUPO.

What is intriguing me today, are the artistic possibilities in a pad of YUPO watercolor paper. I only had a few minutes to “play” this evening. Not nearly enough time for fun. Here is a silly little pear I did. It is only about an inch tall.

Hope your week is off to a great start. Remember to start the day with thanks for the good things in your life. Gratitude is gracious!