In spite of having little rain this winter the Prickly Pear cacti in this part of Arizona bloomed vigorously. After they bloom and the flowers fall off, the birds break open the fruit and eat the seeds. Although I haven't done it some people make jams/jellies from the fruit as well.
I did some "dusting" with pastel on this painting. I was wanting texture and an impressionistic feel so I scraped pastel dust lightly over some areas to give it an "unfocused" look. I like the look, and I hope you do as well!
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Lovely......almost a sense of mystery about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen! It was fun to experiment.
DeleteI LOVE this Prickly Pear, Carol! The flowers are so beautiful. I remember seeing these when I visited my brother in law ... and yes, I bought some of the jellies from this flower.... It makes you wonder how they made it! but it tasted really yummy!
ReplyDeleteI know it sounds crazy but how did the pastel dust stay on the paper? Beautiful texture and color in this piece! Also, I loved your last painting...the bird is adorable and love how you painted the branch!! nice work, as always.
Hilda, I've heard that the jellies and candies they make from the prickly pear fruit are good. I've never tried them, but it sounds like I'm missing out!
DeleteAfter the pastel dust is sprinkled onto the areas where you want it, I take a wide, flat metal spatula and press it down firmly onto the dust. It presses it into the sanded surface. I wipe off the spatula each time so colors from one area won't mix with different colors from another area. It's really easy, and sometimes you just want a unique texture. It's especially good in landscapes.
thank you, Carol! It sounds like I'll definitely experiment on a future painting.... maybe on a painting of mountains!! Sounds wonderful!!!
DeleteIt's gorgeous Carol , the colors are very energetic and makes me really get the feeling of summer and hot weather.
ReplyDeleteIt's BOLD isn't it, Jane? If one were groggy before they saw it, afterwards they'd be wide awake! Thanks so much for writing.
DeleteI love the impressionistic look of your painting and the colors are great. I like the look of the "dusting." What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie, for your kind words. Hope all is well with you and you're enjoying some painting time!
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