My sister lives outside Durango, CO, on 40 acres of high desert. Scrub oak, cacti, deer, and all sorts of things roam about. Today she sent some photos of the flowers in bloom around her place. Some prickly pears were in bloom, so here is the photo she took.
The plants in her area are similar to the ones here in California where we live. There are hillsides covered with prickly pear cacti out here, and as our climate is warmer, they bloom earlier than in Colorado at 8000 feet. This is my painting of her photo.
I outlined the big cactus plant on the left with ink and then painted it. The others I did with direct watercolor. Combining outlines with free form painting is rather fun, and a good way to continue practicing. I think the outlines made for a more successful cactus but not having outlines also makes it very important to look at shape and value. Practicing both in the same painting is rather an interesting process.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Nice! I agree that the outlining makes the blooms stand out more. Comments from somebody who can draw a square, a circle, and a triangle…Maybe! J
For me, as a photographer, it’s like having the front cactus in focus and the ones in the background soft. I like the effect.
Thanks, Anne. I redid it a bit today with more ink. I like a shallow DOF in photography, too.
Thanks, Judy. I redid the cactus flower drawing / painting a bit this morning – take a look. I think it helped define shapes. Ink and color is always fun!
Yes, I like the ink outlines a lot! They make the whole thing pop! J
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Interesting how little things can change a drawing or painting. Thanks, Judy.