Saturday, December 31, 2011

Wise Old Owl by Leada Wood

Wise Old Owl by Leada Wood©

In the Western world, owls are traditionally associated with wisdom and knowledge and with the Greek goddess Athena. That's because Athena was a bird goddess and assumed often the form of an owl. Athena was not only the goddess of wisdom, but was also the goddess of arts and skills.

Although fun to look at the symbolism and pagan meanings, we must remember that true knowledge and wisdom comes only from our Creator.

I wish you a new year filled with joy, health and wisdom! May you be surrounded by family, friends and loved ones...nurturing each other...giving of your selves. I hope your new year is inspirational and creative...but most of all wonderful.

Thanks for following along this year on my creative journey...I hope you enjoyed it and will continue on this adventure with me!  May God bless you abundtly!

                                                                   Wise Old Owl
Like the Solomon of fowl
Sat a wise old owl
Perched in a Sycamore tree,
While the moonlight glimmered
And the starlight shimmered,
These words he spoke to me:

"I guess you've heard
I'm a wise old bird,
And if wisdom you would find...
Always look for the best
And your life will be blest,
To all others' faults be blind.

"In this life, I know
You will find it so
That if you think kindly of others,
You'll soon find that it's true
They'll think kindly of you...
Praise your sisters and your brothers!"

You may think me a fool -
Owls don't talk, as a rule,
But in solemn tone he said:
"Don't be quick to enact
Words you'll wish to retract,
Dwell upon the good instead!"

Though I hate to admit it,
I could see, once I did it,
What that wise owl said was true.
Your faults I'll overlook
'Cause it says in The Book
What you sow comes back to you!
Now, if you will agree
With what he said to me,
Then my faults you will ignore...
Like that sage bird said
We'll both come out ahead
If we judge less, and praise more!
                 
              by Connie Hinnen Cook

Friday, December 23, 2011

The Messenger by Leada Wood©

The Messenger by Leada Wood©

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the hightest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:13-14

I love to paint angels, whether at Christmas or any time of the year. They are especially meaningful to me this year as my own dear mama has gone home to her heavenly reward. I wish you joy and peace this Christmas and may it continue into the new year.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Nutty Trio by Leada Wood


Nutty Trio by Leada Wood©

This is a fun painting I created from a still life set up of three of my nutcrackers. It is 15x22 watercolor on Arches Archival paper. I collect nutcrackers in all sizes and the more unusual the better. This is the countdown to Christmas! Hope you are enjoying it so far, and may all your days be merry and bright!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Bohemian Chic by Leada Wood

Bohemian Chic by Leada Wood©
www.leadawood.com
I finished my altered background piece, as you can see she came through many changes. I don't know if you can see the altered background peeking through on the girl, at such low resolutions, but it is there. I completely covered the altered background with opaque paint. I also added some Japanese symbols for love. I used charcoal to draw around the figure and give a little detail to her face.

The one I am working on now I think I am going to leave the altered background showing  as well  as the focal point and keep the paint transparent. But who knows how it will turn out...that is the fun of experimental painting! Always an adventure and always a surprise! Kind of like life isn't it?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas Came Early by Leada Wood

Heritage Museum Christmas Forest

I had exciting news today. The Creative Catalyst contacted me and said that I had won last week's challenge with my entry of Precious Memories in their Holiday Paintout. That means I won Ann Bagby's new DVD as soon as it is released. I love Ann Bagby's other two DVD's so I can't wait to get the third one. I felt as though Christmas had come early! You can see the winning entry if you scroll back down. Happy Holidays to all!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Altered Background by Leada Wood

Things are really changing now!  I didn't like the competiton of the background with my focal point and I decided to put a nice neutral grey on it. I selected a grey that was opaque so that your eye could rest on the girl. When the grey was dry I painted the textured strip.  I decided to put some of my collage papers that I make onto her skirt and do a little stamping. Now I have started laying in colors on my lovely lady, still keeping transparent so the writing on the prepared background is peeking through. She is staring to come to life, don't you think?

Monday, November 28, 2011

Precious Memories by Leada Wood

Precious Memories by Leada Wood©
www.leadawood.com

This is an ARTifact © painting I had started some time ago and when the Creative Catalyst posted their Holiday Challenge, it inspired me to get it out and finish it.
This week's challenge was community, and to me community is all about family.

My family growing up was very close...with aunts, uncles, and cousins by the dozens. Love, music and food was the glue that held our family together...kept us close.
We would have gatherings on Sunday afternoons. The kids would all run free outdoors while the grown ups got down with their country and gospel music. They were serious musicians...not for money, just for the love of making music. They would play all Sunday afternoon and then reluctantly put away their instruments and go home. They were good people, plain, hard working, God fearing folks. I can remember Pappa playing his guitar every day...I think it was his way of relaxing when he came home from work.

My Pappa was a clock repairman and jeweler and owned his own shop. He was very good at fixing things, everything. He liked to fix up cars and sell them in his spare time. The clock in this painting was his family clock, bought on the day he was born. I love clocks...guess they remind me of him. I use them in my art a lot. Always mindful of time, and how fast it passes and how there is never enough of it. Time...elusive... gone...never to be reclaimed...spend it wisely.

My family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, Pappa are all gone now. Wish I had listened better to all their old stories, maybe taken the time to write them down. Now they are all gone...dust in the wind.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so maybe I can tell my stories in paintings...to help remember my family...to keep our stories alive...to pass them on.

Precious memories...how they linger.

Altered Background by Leada Wood

I have now added my drawing using charcoal and a wash of liquid acrylic to the background. I am keeping it transparent so that the writing on the altered background is still showing through.  I will keep going...stay tuned!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Altered Background by Leada Wood


I am using one of the techniques I learned from the Liz Hill workshop at the Bunk House. This is an altered background technique. I adhered phone book pages to watercolor paper and let it dry. Then I placed masking tape randomly over the paper and burnished it. Next I started ripping up the masking tape. This removes layers of the paper and gives a nice textured look. After I had mutilated it enough ( do this technique to relieve stress) I added a thin wash of gesso, more of a veil, just keep it transparent. When that dries you should still be able to see some of the writing. This adds white back into the painting.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving! by Leada Wood


As another Thanksgiving day comes to a close I would like to take the time to say I am very thankful for my family, my friends, and all the many blessings of living in a free country. I am grateful to all my followers and folks who drop by and read my blog, I hope you will continue to, I love hearing your comments!

Remember "Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once." Spend it wisely my friends.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

ARTifact © Cross by Leada Wood

ARTifact Crosses © by Leada Wood

I love creating special works of art for special folks! People bring their loved ones belongings to me and I set up a still life and paint it for them. I also create one of a kind crosses out of mom's and grandma's old costume jewelry creating a beautiful ARTifact keepsake for generations to come. Art makes a wonderful gift whether it is a portrait, ARTifact painting or an ARTifact cross.  I also create collages out of bits and pieces of memorabilia from your life.
To order one for your special occasion for your someone special please contact me by email. I have Paypal for your convenience or  accept major credit cards.
Please contact me at: www.leadawood.com  

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Caboose Watercolor Sociery by Leada Wood

Christmas Tree Forest at Heritage Museum

Our opening at the Heritage Museum was so lovely. The museum staff works so hard to make Christmas come alive! There are trees upstairs and downstairs with so many different themes. They will be having different events during the month of December. Be sure to stop by and see the Caboose Watercolor Society Historical Big Spring Show and get in the Christmas Spirit!
Back row left to right, Linda Rupard-Irvin and Leada Wood
Front row left to right, Estelle Howard and Sue Bagwell
Not pictured, Kay Smith and Carole Berry

Photos courtesy of Lane Boyd's Photography. Thanks Lane for sending me these great photos!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Bee Keeper by Leada Wood

The Bee Keeper by Leada Wood©
www.leadawood.com

I have always had a facination with bees. I love to watch them visit my herb garden when the rosemary is blooming, buzzing around pollinating the blooms.  Suprisingly I am not afraid of them as I am wasp which I am very allergic to. I always loved the notion of keeping bees but haven't tried that yet!

 I was visiting the Flea, a fleamarket in Santa Fe and saw a woman with her honey shining in the sunlight, a beautiful sight! Naturally, as I always have a camera handy I took a few photos.  Those photos were the inspiration for this painting, although I changed it to make it look more historical so it would work with the show that is opening Sunday, November 13th at the Heritage Museum.  The show runs until December 21st, so if you are in Big Spring, please stop by and see all the works by the Caboose Watercolor Society.

This painting is 14x22 and is transparent watercolor on Archival paper. I strived to give the painting a warm feeling of a girl setting out her jars of honey to sell, with the sunrise behind her making her jars of honey glow.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Grannie's Wash by Leada Wood

Grannie's Wash by Leada Wood©
www.leadawood.com

This painting was inspired by the wringer washer I photographed at the Potton House Museum in Big Spring.  I have always had a fascination with wringer washers, even when I was small. I had a close encounter with a modern wringer when I tried to help my mother with the wash. I had to drag a step stool up to the machine and then I proceeded to run the wash through the machine along with my arm, thank goodness for elbows, as that was what stopped it! Mom heard me crying and came to my aid and promply reversed the process and set me free. The doctor said I was so small my bones were still soft so there weren't any broken ones. Maybe this painting will bring back memories to you.


This is an ARTifact painting, which is painted on Arches Archival Paper, with transparent watercolors. It is 14x22. You can see it at the Heritage Museum along with many other historical paintings of Old Big Spring, by the Caboose Watercolor Society, November 13th thru December 21st.


I would love to take your memories and paint them for you!
Christmas is coming and it would make a wonderful gift for a special someone.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Papa's Wash Stand by Leada Wood

Papa's Wash Stand by Leada Wood ©

Papa's Wash Stand was inspired by my dad's shaving cup, complete with straight razor and shaving brush. This is another ARTifact Painting. I had taken photos in the Potton House in Big Spring, a historical home complete with furniture. The wash stand reference was taken from those photos.  I am getting ready for the Caboose Watercolor Society's show at the Heritage Museum in Big Spring. We are painting Old Big Spring, I think this may bring back memories to some, don't you?
The show opens November 13th and the reception is from 1 to 3. The show will run through the Christmas Holidays so stop by when you are in town!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Dragon Fly Farm by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

PiPi Longstockings

This is the newest member of my herd, born on Halloween, Pipi Longstockings. I thought I was going to have to get rid of my llamas with the drought we had this summer...and I did sell some of them. Then the autumn rains...just two to date, came and the wheat is green and growing and the pastures are greening up again...Praise God!  I never gave up hope that our God who supplies all our needs would send the much needed autumn rain....I pray that the rains do continue, don't you?

Monday, October 31, 2011

Painting Like Eric Carle by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Young Artists At Work

We are learning about American Painters in art class at Studio Twenty. This week we studied about Eric Carle who has illustrated and written numerous children's book, he is most famous forThe Hungry Catapillar. Carle paints tissue paper and makes collages for his illustrations giving his work a very recognizable style. He uses very bright colors that appeal to his audiences. These girls have painted their tissue papers in preparation to begin their painting in his style. They chose this painting from one of his books to emulate.


Eric Carle Illustration

They will be busy little bees (pardon the pun!) cutting and gluing paper to a substrate. I will post the girls results when they finish their works of art.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Cupcake Faries by Leada Wood©, Artist Of Texas

Cupcake Fairies by Leada Wood©
I did this painting 8x10, watercolor on paper for a sweet lady named Cindy who does the most fabulous decorated cupcakes and they taste wonderful also! I was hosting a tea for some friends from Denmark and Cindy made the prettiest cupcakes you can imagine for the tea.  There were flowers and butterflies in every color imaginable...each cupcake was a little work of art. I think Cindy must have a bunch of little fairies helping her decorate! Thank you Cindy!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wild About You! by Leada Wood ©, Artist Of Texas

Wild About You by Leada Wood©
This painting is 22x28, liquid acrylic on arches paper. I did this using Henri Matisse techniques. Matisse used lots of pattern, bright colors, and outlined in black. I used patterns from a Matisse painting, used my own colors and a stamp I carved for some of the patterns in the blocks and outlined in black. I also added a bit of lepord collage to the girls neckline and a bit in her hair. I don't think I am done with this painting yet as there are a few things I want to do...so I will repost it again when I finish!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

All That Jazz! by Leada Wood, Artist of Texas

Joanna George and Betsy Dillard Stroud
We had a delightful lunch on the last day at Jazz's restaurant in Lubbock, Texas. We all tried a bowl of shrimp gumbo and it was very tasty. Couldn't resist taking a picture of Betsy sitting underneath the crawfish and oysters sign. We had such a good time!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Karla Bennett, Betsy Dillard Stroud, Joanna George


Here are three painting Divas outside the Texas Tech Museum where the Betsy Dillard Stroud workshop was held. There was never a dull moment with these gals!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Betsy and Me by Leada Wood, Artist of Texas

Betsy Dillard Stroud and Leada Wood

I had such a fun time at the Betsy Dillard Stroud workshop in Lubbock Texas.  A great group of artists and a wonderful instructor were together for a weeklong painting frenzy! Betsy challenged us every day to do something different with our art and we rose to the challenge. Betsy was vivacious, fun and very knowledgable about art techniques as well as art history. I would highly recommend her workshop to anyone who wants to kick up their art a level or two.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Dimensions by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

DIMENSIONS by Leada Wood ©
This is a full sheet, 22x28, watercolor paper painted with liquid acrylics. I divided the spaces into different dimensions and taped them off. I used hand carved stamps to add texture into some of the spaces. It is hard to see the various depths and dimensions at such a low resolution but hopefully you can see most of them. I veiled some of the areas with washes of gesso to add mystery. It's always hard to know when an abstract is finished as I usually have to look and lived with it a while to see if there is anything else I need to add.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Three Amigos by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Three Amigos by Leada Wood ©

This is a value painting exercise in Betsy Dillard Stroud's workshop. I chose my subject and drew it three times on a full sheet of watercolor paper. I used acrylic paints, both liquid and soft bodied to paint the bird. The object was to have a light, midtone, and dark subject with the other two values in the background. I learned a lot about value and I think it was pretty successful. What do you think?

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Moon Flowers by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Moon Flowers by Leada Wood ©

I have been in Betsy Dillard Stroud's workshop in Lubbock, Texas this week put on by the West Texas Watercolor Society. We have been working in acrylics but using them transparently as well as opaquely. I have had so much fun experimenting with Betsy guiding us. This painting is a full sheet, 22X28, and I started by doing an underpainting wet on wet and then doing a  drawing of moon flowers when the paper was dry. I then divided up my space with tape and circles and when ever I crossed a line I changed value or color. I left the flowers with the underpaintings  showing and  just adding a little detail to the focal flower. It was a fun exercise and I encourage you to try it!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Down On The Ranch by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Dena Wenmohs

This is Dena Wenmohs who owns the Wenmohs ranch and the Bunkhouse. The Bunkhouse is an artist retreat where you can stay and enjoy world class artist workshops and ranch life at the same time. Dena provides lodging and food for her guest if they choose to bunk  there. She is a really great lady and you always have a fun  time down at the ranch! To check out the workshops just click here: http://www.wenmohsranch.com/   

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Liz Hill Workshop by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Left Liz Hill, Right Leada Wood

I just finished  a figurative painting workshop with the renown Liz Hill at the Bunkhouse on the Wenmoths Ranch. What a wonderful time we all had. It was a three day event with a new model everyday. We would sketch all morning and paint all afternoon. Now this is NOT your ordinary figurative painting. Liz showed us how to use prepared surfaces and collage and charcoal to get very interesting paintings. There were a lot of great pieces that came from the workshop. I will post some of my pieces later when I finish them. We really crammed a lot in three days! To see Liz's work go to http://www.lizhillart.com/ and you will have a better idea of what I am talking about.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Illusions by Leada Wood©, Artist of Texas

Illusions by Leada Wood ©

This is a mixed media watermedia on illustration board and is 14x22. I love doing
non representaional abstracts. They are very intuitive and freeing! While I am doing them I seem to go into a mediative state and just go with the flow, very relaxing.
 I put down lots of texture on the board before I started painting. I used rich earth colors, getting in the mood for autumn. It's hard to see all the textures with this low resolution. Be sure to check out my web site where I have larger resolution pictures and a zoom where you can really see how it looks.
My website is http://www.leadawood.com/

This painting will be on exhibit at the Louise Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock Texas during the month of October.

Friday, September 30, 2011

The Fortune by Leada Wood ©, Artist of Texas

The Fortune by Leada Wood©

This is a mixed media watercolor, 14x22, on Arches paper. I put crackle medium in the background to give an old cracked plaster appearance. I stenciled the leaves with gel medium in a cruciform design to add more interest in the background. The woman is painted in pure transparent watercolors, as well as the background.

I don't believe in fortune tellers, just wanted to paint one!  I tried to create a sense of mystery and drama. It was quite  a challenge to make the crystal ball appear to glow as well as painting all the beads on the dancers costume.

This painting will be on exhibit at the Louise Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock Texas during the month of October.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Time Is Like A Circus by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Time Is A Circus by Leada Wood

This painting is 12x12  acrylic on canvas. There is a lot of symbolism going on within the painting.  The little person standing with her hands on her hips is painted from clock keys that belonged to my dad. I combined three different clock keys and added little features to make it look like a little person.  My dad was a clock repairman and jeweler and could fix anything! The little person represents me. I used various clock parts and pieces around the painting. My mom collected elephants so that represents her and the two monkeys represent my brothers, these are also animals you see in a circus. This painting represents time, and how there is never enough of it...it just goes so fast! I found a quote that I liked, don't know who wrote it but it goes like this:
Time is like a circus always packing up and moving away.
I hope you enjoyed my little take on time.

This is my painting for Inspiration Avenue's weekly challenge Keys.
Be sure to check out Inspiration Avenue's weekly challenge Keys to see all the great art work.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Santa Fe by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas


Ahh Santa Fe in Autumn is one of my favorite destinations. Cool crisp air, the golden aspens quaking in the breeze, the smell of chilies roasting in the air, and the blue sky and gentle sunshine...what's not to love! One of my favorite shops is Jackalopes, they have everything. It is fun just to wander around and see things from all over the world.


The adobes are everywhere in Santa Fe. This adobe was at Rancho de las Golondrinas or ranch of the swallows, a living history museum. We went to a Renaissance Fair which was entertaining. There were dragons, knights, kings, queens, fairies, fair maidens,ect... just like stepping back in time.


There were also jousters...aren't they hilarous! They were quite the hams and very entertaining.  So many memories to spark my creative imagination.


   No trip to Santa Fe would be complete without going to Ghost Ranch...where the famed Georgia O'Keef spent lots of time painting.  The scenery was stunning! I know now why she moved there.  If you get a chance go to Santa Fe...spring or autumn it's wonderful.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

A Different Pear by Leada Wood© Artist Of Texas

A Different Pear by Leada Wood©
To purchase this painting click here: http://www.leadawood.com/ 

Autumn is all about the harvest...a time to slow down...to reflect...a time of changes. I love Autumn! The cool crisp air in the mornings, the leaves turning vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds. Pumpkins and gourds appear at the local market, and if you are very fortunate you live close to where they have apple orchards and pumpkin patches and can go there and enjoy the fruits of the harvest. My mom always had pears in the autumn and we were blessed to get her pear preserves that she made.  I still love pears, I especially like to paint them!
This is for Inspiration Avenues weekly challenge, Autumn.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Imagine by Leada Wood© Artist of Texas

Imagine by Leada Wood©

This is the cover of a sketchbook that I did for a dear friend's birthday. I used my hand decorated papers and collaged them to the prepared surface. It's a good idea to use a hard back sketchbook and coat with gesso so that the paint and collage materials will adhere. The words and stars are raised above the surface of the book. I made the little bamboo stip out of clay. I always finish the books with several clear sealer coats to protect the papers.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Artin Around by Leada Wood, Artist of Texas

Artin Around by Leada Wood©

My friend Linda coined the phrase "Artin' Around". She loves to get  friends together and go to art shows, museums or junkin'.  It doesn't matter what you are doing when a group of artists get together there is always fun!
This 12x12 collage was just fun to do...I started layering my papers that I had hand painted and playing around until I enjoyed the design. I then added one of my little moon faces that I make from clay and a couple of blue sparkles.
It's so nice to have friends to Art Around with!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

I Remember

I can't beleive it has been ten years since the devestation in New York City and the United States. Let us never forget to thank God for our freedom and our service men and women, who have given so much. Some have given everything. Freedom is NOT FREE...there is always a price...let us never take it lightly or for granted. Where were you September 11, 2001? 
 I Remember.......

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Serre and Geti by Leada Wood©

Serre and Geti by Leada Wood©

This 12x14 painting, watercolor on Strathmore paper was fun to do for Inspiration Avenue's challenge, Patterns.  I named it after the mother of national parks in Africa ,the Serengeti, where about a million zebras run wild along with all the other animals. It's wonderful to have a refuge to keep them safe and protect all the wildlife.This painting will  be included in the upcoming Caboose Watercolor Society show at the Heritage Museum, running September 17 thru November 2nd, 2011.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

All Feathered Up by Leada Wood©


All Feathered Up by Leada Wood©

This painting is 8x8 on canvas with liquid acrylics.  I am still painting for the upcoming Animal show at the Heritage Museum in Big Spring Texas.
This fella has his feathers all in a ruffle so to speak...or All Feathered Up and places to go! I love painting animals, all kinds but especially love to paint birds, as they are very near and dear to my heart.
This Crazy Chicken is for SALE!
Contact me at http://www.leadawood.com/


Sunday, September 4, 2011

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood ©

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood©

This is the finished painting.  I gave it to boot man for his birthday and he loved it!
 I am so glad he did......

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood ©

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood©

I have added textured stars on the left and horseshoes and stars on the right. I have also used liquid acrylic inks and liquid acrylics to start painting on the boots. The brown paper collage underneath the boots has created nice wrinkles and texture to make the boots look more authentic and rustic. It is beginning to take shape but there is still a ways to go...stay tuned!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood ©

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood○

This was a gift for my sweetie's birthday. It is on canvas with an airplane IFR sectional map collaged on the canvas. I then drew a pair of cowboy boots complete with spurs on top of the map. I then collaged brown paper on the boots to give texture and make them look more like leather. Now what to do....stay tuned as I know I will be adding more!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Sea Shells by the Seashore by Leada Wood©

Sea Shells by the Seashore by Leada Wood©

This is for Inspiration Avenue's weekly challenge. I painted it in my journal so it is pretty loose. I enjoy putting interesting quotes that I want to remember with my journal paintings. I also write them inside the front and back cover of the book. I like to use a sketchbook with paper strong enough to take whatever medium I may want to work with. I also like having a hardback cover so I can make the outside of the book interesting as well. I usually start with a coat of gesso and them start adding layers until it pleases me. I am trying to do more journaling as it is fun to look back at later and see what you were up to. It is also very good therapy!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

O Happy Day by Leada Wood ©

O Happy Day by Leada Wood ©

This is a mixed media painting on canvas 12x12, with a two inch cradle. No need to frame as the painting goes around all sides. This painting has cheery colors and lots of interesting messages and layers of texture. The little sunflower is clay and sculpted by me! Of course I had to add my signature blings to complete the painting. This cheerful painting is for sale and would be uplifting everyday!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Princess Alina by Leada Wood ©


Princess Alina by Leada Wood ©

I was laying in bed thinking about what I was going to do for the IA weekly challenge sunflowers and a little story began weaving in my mind.

Princess Alina
In the land of sunshine where sunflowers are plentiful, a little fairy princess dwelled. Her name was Alina (the fair) and she lived in a pasture full of beautiful yellow sunflowers. The warm gentle breeze would make them sway back and forth and they looked as if they were dancing. Princess Alina would sit for hours and watch their cheerful faces glisten in the sunshine. Sometimes she would join them in the dancing and you could hear the wind whispering sweet melodies.  The warm summer air was heavy with their pleasant fragrance and life was good at
Dragonfly  Farm.    ©Leada Wood

So begins my story and the first illustration for my little tale.
I enjoy the weekly challenges at Inspiration Avenue...you never know what they will come up with next and they always spark my imagination!



Friday, August 19, 2011

More Sprinkles Please! By Leada Wood

More Sprinkles Please! by Leada Wood
http://www.leadawood.com/

It's been a very long, hot, dry summer in Texas.  All kind of records have been set and broken. I wonder if it has been a really good year for the ice cream factories...that would be interesting to know. 
I painted this 8x10 watercolor for Inspiration Avenue's weekly challenge, ICY.  Nothing cools you down like a bowl of ice cream, when it is hot outside.