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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.......

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.

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/



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......

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!

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!