Category Archives: Art Exchange

Vote Request And Two LYA Sides

Over A Barrel, digital surface design. © 2017 Sheila Delgado

I created this as an entry in the Spoonflower limited color palette succulents design challenge. The instructions were to use at least 2 of the five colors given. It was optional to use black or white as well. I used the five colors. Dark Green, Sage, Blush, Terracotta and Rhubarb.

My idea was for a simplified, or slightly abstract design, that focused on the “pattern” of the cactus itself. I usually find the limited palette challenges difficult. But these colors are close to the favorites I so often paint with!

Your vote would be awesome! You can only vote once, but you can help me spread the word, or share this post with friends. Follow the link above, click to select the design, and then scroll to the bottom and click to submit your vote. Thanks so much for taking the time!

I have two more designs completed and am working on a fourth to round out the collection. I will share those with you soon.

LYA Side Swaps

Both of the cards I received look like they are made from fabric. I could be wrong. The first is from Michele Matucheski in Oshkosh. We have swapped before. Michele is a busy creative, lots of interesting things happening on her blog. Not only is she a fabulous photographer, she works with fabrics, and weaving, even surface design!

This bit of inspiration was on the back:

“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly,
is a way to make your soul grow. So DO it!”
Kurt Vonnegut

Michele Matucheski, Orange Blossom Breeze Star. LYA 2017 side swap

As you would guess, I love the colors in this card. The center star looks shiny and soft. Silk maybe? Michele also included the temperature, 53 degrees, her city, and the date. A neat little fact sticker, I wish I had thought of! Michele’s card is HUGE! 5 x 7, I didn’t realize you could go that big with a postcard. It sure does make an impression!

Patricia Mark, mixed media. LYA 2017 side swap

The second arrival has got me thoroughly intrigued. It looks like velvet on velvet, but I really have no idea. Wonderful textures. And such lively “fire”. Hoping Pat will tell me. She labeled this mixed media. Either way, I love this brilliant bloom! Patricia Mark is from Portland. Visit her site to see more of her wonderful photos.

Pat’s special message:

“To be an artist is to believe in life.”
Henry Moore

So fun to be intrigued by artwork! So fun to be surprised by color and texture and pattern! Thank you both so much, Patricia and Michele! Such a joy to swap art with you again!

Thanks so much for taking a look at the Spoonflower limited color palette succulents design challenge. Your support is so appreciated!

Washed In Spring – LYA 2017 Side Swap

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Washed in Spring. Watercolor and glitter, 4 x 6 Postcard, Trang Kang

This is a hand-made card from my new friend Trang Kang in Texas. My scan does not do it justice. There is a soft, warm metallic gold running through out. Hints of opalescent glitter as well.

Trang named this well. The colors are bright and alive, fresh, and new. The golden glow warms me. I feel as if I am surrounded by a gentle breeze, sweet bird song, and flowers. Everywhere, flowers.

On the back, curvaceous vines, tiny blooms and this:

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein

Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go?

I found this and thought you might enjoy hearing Shel read it. It is a visual treat!

Thank you Trang for brightening my day. I love this card! Shel Silverstein has always been a favorite. Thanks for reminding me that I have his books on my shelf, waiting to be opened.

Blessings-shiraz

L.Y.A. #5 And A Mingus Moment

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Mingus 4-7-17. 6 x 6 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper. © 2017 Sheila Delgado

The last LYA postcard arrived today. The last of the official swap that is. Our hostess Kat Sloma has sent her cards out, and that should arrive in the next few days. She will début her video collection, and next weekend is the blog hop.

LYA 2017 #5, Chrisann Risser, Cherries.

This lovely photo is just one of many that Chrisann Risser has in her portfolio. Color, black and white, sepia. Clouds, tulips, sunsets. I really enjoyed visiting Chrisann’s part of the world through her photographs. (I am guessing Canada, not sure though.) Cherries are my favorite. Each year for my birthday, we have cherry pie instead of cake. These cherries, with their snow caps on, bring a smile to my face.

Chrisann added on the back:

Great art picks up where nature ends.
Marc Chagall

Thank you Chrisann for sharing your photography with me! I am so happy to have received your postcard! Thanks for including the link so I could see more of your fabulous work!

It was a good day all around. I also received a surprise package from Christine Brooks. Christine is taking part in LYA, and we have exchanged postcards outside of LYA as well.

Surprise package from Christine Brooks.

Christine gifted me with a fun card I can sign and forward to a friend. There is a yellow flower and butterfly card, hand-made, with a sweet and encouraging message. She wrapped several blank postcards in a ribbon, and included a beautiful original watercolor. On top of all that, she found a sunflower zipper bag. She said it reminded her of my art, and she hopes I can find a use for it.

Of course I can find a use for it! It is small, but large enough for a small sketch pad, pencils and even a travel watercolor palette! Just what I needed! Thank you Christine for thinking of me!! Your surprise brightened my day!