The Delicata squash were so pretty I wanted to paint them. And then I wanted to cook them (a first time for me). Exploring new produce is an adventure. First draw it, then cut it open and see what’s inside.
The texture of squash doesn’t really appeal to me too much. Especially the slimy parts before it’s cooked. But it makes an interesting sketching subject.
I like this sketch best, with the squash sitting in the reflective, stainless steel roasting pan. I ate a couple of their brethren with my dinner and then brought the leftovers to the studio to sketch.
I’m still not a huge fan . It was OK, roasted with some butter and a little cinnamon. But I think next time (if there is one) I will go for a more savory flavor, with lots of garlic instead.
UPDATE 10/23/11: My art blogger friend Jana Botkin shared these thoughts on squash and art that I had to share here:
- A friend once said to me “Squash is the past tense of squish, and squish is not a food”.
- We full-time artists could theoretically write off the cost of our groceries if we paint them first!
- Garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese are almost the only way I find squash palatable. Without it, it is only palette-able!
Jana Bouc, Artist 
14 replies on “Delicata: Raw, Cut, Cooked”
They are all so beautiful, one of my favorite squashes even though they
have so little flesh.
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They are one of my new favorites, too, although the variety I’ve found have had a pale green and white outside with a beautiful yellow inside. Try them with butter with chili and lime. Yum! 🙂
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Now that sounds really good! What kind of chili do you recommend? Do you mean chili powder? Jana
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These are so pretty – they just pop off the page.
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Such beautiful colors! I can see why you were attracted to them…..
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I’ve never had this particular kind, but I do love every type that I have tried thus far. The cinnamon doesn’t sound appealing to me, but that butter with lime and chili Linda mentioned sure does! Wonderful sketches!
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Yeah, the cinnamon was a mistake–especially when served as a side dish the next night with fish. Blech! Linda’s idea sounds fabulous! jana
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Brown sugar does the trick too…..love the colors.
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Beautiful images! I can see why you were so inspired. Interesting that you would go with savory next time, rather than sweet. Your painting of them is wonderful.
And, I hope you’re alright over they with the bit of shaking today!
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Thanks Melinda. And yes, I’m fine, despite way too many earthquakes this week! Fortunately no damage other than my nerves. Time to update my earthquake kit. Jana
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Pretty paintings all the way through!
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Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to leave a note! Jana
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Several thoughts:
1. A friend once said to me “Squash is the past tense of squish, and squish is not a food”.
2. We full time artists could theoretically write off the cost of our groceries if we paint them first!
3. Garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese are almost the only way I find squash palatable. Without it, it is only palette-able!
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Well, I think this is the funniest best comment I’ve ever gotten. I like it so much I’m going to quote it in the body of the post. You are too funny! THANKS! Jana
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