Time Is A Circus by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

 

Time Is A Circus By Leada Wood, copyright 2014

With the New Year being upon us I decided to post one of my paintings concerning time. I found the quote "Time is a circus, always moving away " and combined it with an old clock face and painted clock keys, a pocket watch, and  clock parts around. The elephant is a symbol for my mom as she collected them, the watch pieces symbolize my dad as he was a clock maker, the monkeys were my brothers and I am the key person with my hands on my hips. It was a fun piece to do! 

 

The Gift Of Time

 

Every day we are given 86,000seconds...as a gift of life. When we go to sleep at night any remaining time is not credited to us to use later...it is gone. What we haven't used up that day is forever lost and yesterday is gone forever. Each morning of your life your life account is refilled with 86,000 seconds...but it can be closed at anytime without warning. So what will you do with your 86,000 seconds a day? The choice is yours! Every second is more valuable than gold...think about it... what are you exchanging the seconds of your life for? Enjoy every second for it passes too quickly. Never complain about growing older...some people never get the privilege. Take care of yourself...love deeply...live joyfully...and enjoy the gift of time!

Happy New Year! May yours be prosperous, creative and filled with love and pleasant adventures!

 

 

 



 

 



The Fiddler, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

 

The Fiddler by Leada Wood ©2014

 My daddy was a fiddler...in fact he could play nearly any musical instrument and he played by ear. I come from a musical family, nearly every Sunday afternoon was spent at a relatives house. The family band played gospel and country music...I can still hear the songs in my mind. The family band is gone but not the sweet memories.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with fond memories, family and friends! 

World Blog Hop, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

 



 

 

 

Hello and welcome to my blog! This is my first go at a blog hop and it is very exciting! I am pictured here in my studio, Studio Twenty, working on another original concept.  First I would like to thank Kay Smith for inviting me. Kay and I belong to a small group of watercolorist, the Caboose Watercolor Society that do themed paintings and exhibit them. We have known each other since 2002 and have had many creative adventures together. Kay has a fun and funky studio in Big Spring, Texas where she creates. You can check out her blog here: http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.com .

 

  

Monte Carlo ©Kay Smith
 

World Blog Hop- Questions and Answer


1. What am I working on?

 Right now I have started a new series for upcoming shows in 2015. I began by laying in the first layer and usually work on 8-12 paintings at a time. I am working small 8x8, the size of the series always varies, usually to what I have on hand. Sometimes I start abstractly and go towards realism or sometimes I stay non objective. I enjoy creating both abstract and realism, watercolor and mixed media and tend to go back and forth.  My work is intuitive and I follow where it leads me.

This is my mixed media work station in my studio. You can see that it is messy business...but fun! I usually have an idea for the series to keep the work cohesive, whether it be color, an underlying paper, composition or a theme. It helps to work this way as there is drying time involved and who wants to watch paint dry!

I add layers of paint and scratch into it or stamp, pushing and pulling the paint until the layers meld together. One of the shows I am getting ready for is  entitled "RED".  I still have a long way to go on these and will post as they are finished.




2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?


I create many layers, giving thought to symbolism, whether it be colors or shapes. They represent something to me and hopefully the viewer.  Sometime I include inspirational words or phrases which may or may not be visible. I also like to include texture in my work...to make the viewer want to reach out and touch the painting. I guess you could say I like to involve the senses when you look at one of my paintings and evoke an emotion whether real or imagined...to give you a glimpse of the world  I envision.


3. Why do I create what I do?

I have people ask me how I come up with my ideas all the time. It is a gift...I am always observing and creating in my mind.  Color and light intrigue me...the
 way shadows dance and light sparkles is fascinating, observing people is captivating. I create because I have to is certainly true...I get a little cranky if I go too long without it ! Even drawing in my sketchbook helps if I can't get into the studio...ahh but there is nothing to compare with the studio experience. Whether it be the kitchen table or a converted closet...both which I have used as studio space. It doesn't matter where I paint as long as I get to. I find joy in creating and hope I bring some into your life when you view my work.


4. How does my creating process work.


Sometimes it is a dream...I keep a notebook by my bed or sometimes a random thought sparks an idea. Observation plays a big part in my creative process and I take thousands of photos of things that inspire me and keep notes of ideas that I may or may not put into existence. My mind is always at work... perhaps me thinks too much!

Thanks for joining me in and discovering the World Blog Hop! I hope you will hop back again or follow me and see where the next creative adventure takes me...


World Blog Hop- My Chosen Artist To Continue The Hop


It is my pleasure to introduce to you Vernita Bridges Hoyt. Vernita is a Texas Artist and is from Spring, Texas. Nita is involved with many animal rescue
organizations and donates a portion of her sales to help fund them. She paints the sauce of Texas in various mediums. You can check out her blog here: http://TXsauce.net

2014 copyright Vernita Bridges Hoyt




 

 

IHannas Winter Postcard Swap, by Leada Wood

It has been such fun being a part of iHannas Winter Postcard Swap! Both creating the cards and receiving them. Thank you Hanna! I have received 9 so far and I wanted you,dear reader to share the fun! Here are the postcards I received  from 8 new friends and one long time friend.

Copyright Linda Rupard 2014

Http://lindarupard.blogspot.com 

Copyright Carol Hargrove 2014

Copyright Debbie Ingram 2014

Copyright Christie Juhasz 2014

Copyright Andi Beads 2014

Copyright Sandra D 2014

http://daffodilwild.wordpress.com

Copyright Carol Mims 2014

Http://rachelmims.blogspot.com

Copyright Cathy Peterson

Http://relax@witsendcoffeehouse.com

Copyright Brenda Leonard 2014

Http://brendabroomstick.blogspot.com

The last one is from Canada, the only one so far out of the USA. I love the way she recycles...how did she know I just saw Paul McCartney in October! All of these lovely ladies created wonderful works of art through recycling and using their imaginations. It was such fun watching the mailbox and squealing with glee when a postcard was found inside. As much as I like emails there is nothing quite like getting real mail...especially hand crafted ones just for you! Have a wonderful weekend!

Glad Tidings, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

 

 

Glad Tidings ©Leada Wood 2014


Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."   Luke 2:10-11

"Glad Tidings"  is 11x14 transparent watercolor on Archival paper with gold leaf. It is not available. Glad Tidings was created for the show, " Angels Among Us", a group exhibition, a couple of years back and was exhibited at the Heritage Museum during their annual Christmas celebration.   

Fun In Dallas, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Here we are at the Dutch Art Gallery's Pursuit of the Southwest opening. Bootman, Katie and Bel were kind enough to accompany me to this sensational event. Bel, me, and Katie are pictured by one of my paintings that was juried into the show. It is always fun to go into the city for a weekend especially with my girls! They have been to many openings with me but this was their first trip to the Dutch. They seemed very impressed with the large inventory and quality of work. They are artists too and notice things like that. We had fun looking at all the various paintings and styles and picking our favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

No trip to Dallas is complete without seeing some of the sights. We visited the arboretum's 12 Days of Christmas display. The girls are standing in front of some colorful fall foliage in the garden. 

 

 

The designs of the structures as well as the design of the characters of the song were amazing.

 

 

 

Here we have 8 maids a milking...wouldn't it be fun to design or create one of these displays?

 

 

 

 

6 Geese a laying. Just showing random favorites...all wonderful in their own way.

 

 

 

I do have a thing for birds...7 swans a swimming...

 

 

 

 

I especially liked 5 golden rings. The white Polar bear was awesome! So much thought, work and creativity went into the gardens wonderful interpretation of the 12 Days of Christmas and they are open some nights too. I imagine the garden would be stunning with all the Christmas lights aglow. If you are in Dallas Texas during the holidays try to go be the arboretum and enjoy the splendor of the 12 Days of Christmas. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week.

 

 

Purple Passion by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Purple Passion was juried into the Dutch Art Gallery's Pursuit of the Southwest show opening Saturday December 6th in Dallas, Texas. The first 25 attendees will receive original art as well as first chance at the art. It's always a fun event at the Dutch and I would love to see you there!

Purple Passion is a form of batik using Unryu paper which is very thin and transparent and a bit tricky to work with. I really enjoy the process of batik as you never know how the paper will take the paint or if it will make it through the process. Have a great week!

Purple Passion by Leada Wood copyright 2014

Nutty Trio by Leada Wood, Texas Artist





Happy December! Yes it is that time of year again to drag out the Christmas decorations and display them with cheer. I love Christmas! The colors...whimsical decorations...scents and sounds of the season. Making merry with the kids...creating gifts and ornaments...baking...spreading good will toward others. Isn't it a shame that the spirit of Christmas doesn't last the whole year? Maybe that could be a resolution for the new year...to keep the joy alive...to keep Christmas in your heart everyday.

Nutty Trio was created for a Santa exhibition at the Heritage Museum a few years ago. I collect nut crackers and this was three of them.

copyright by Leada Wood2014

iHannas Winter Postcard Swap, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

I am so excited! I received all my names yesterday and mailed out my cards. Can you tell it's my first swap? I had one from UK and one from Australia and the rest were spread across the USA. I can't wait to get mine! I made a collage of the cards that I created just for the swap. I want to share my post with Hanna and hope this works as I am a newbie at all this sharing stuff. To see iHannas winter diy postcard swap blog please click on the link:  http://www.iHanna.nu  or copy and paste in case it doesn't work.

I had two lovely comments on Google + but could not get my comment to work...so thank you Sue Marrazzo and Sandra D for your comments. Sandra D I cannot wait to get your card! Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving! By Leada Wood, Texas artist

Wild turkeys are plentiful around my neck of the woods but you really have to be on the lookout to see them. My oldest son shot one and thought we should have it for Thanksgiving. Poor bird not enough meat to feed our herd! He wound up giving it away to someone with not so many mouths to feed.

Wishing you a wonderful day of plenty surrounded by family and friends. I am grateful for so many blessings that come my way, including you dear readers of my blog. Blessings and peace to all!

Winter Postcard Swap by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

There is still time to sign up for IHannas postcard swap. You have until November 26th to join in on the fun! I made mine standard postcard size 4x6. I have enjoyed working small so much I am continuing to paint daily Minis.

For these I used my Gelli to make mono prints on all of the cards and used them for the springboard to  contine with the layering. I used watercolor paper and acrylic paints along with stencils, water soluble crayons, glitter pens, colored pens and markers. The sky is the limit! 

Best Of Show, by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

Today was the West Texas Art Guild's annual Regional Big Country art show and I was thrilled beyond measure when I found out I won Best of Show. 

The painting Sunflower 2 is a batik on Unryu paper which is a little bit thicker than tissue paper. I draw the subject on the paper with sharpie pen and then save the parts I want to be light or white with wax. Proceeding on with either watercolor or liquid acrylics I complete the painting and coat the entire painting with wax, let it dry and crumple it up in a ball. If the painting survives this I flatten it and push paint down into the crevices. Then it is wax off and I remove the wax. It is quite an involved process and a risky technique...but isn't that what making art is all about...taking chances?

Roz Stendahl of Sketchbook Skool by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

copyright by Roz Stendahl and Sketchbook Skool
 

 

What a wonderful week we have had with Sketchbook Skool's Roz Stendahl. The whole class has been great but Roz's generosity and teaching videos were extraordinary! This was one of her parting gifts to us, a memento of our week together. I had to print it out and cut the cards of course but it was worth every minute! Roz has an awesome blog you should check out: http://rozwoundup.typepad.com

It has been so cold this week the only live animal sketching I did was of my little Yorkie, Mollie. She was very suspicious of all the activity following her around with my sketchbook and pen. I found that sometimes standing up and calling her name was the only way to get her to be still...she is a little hyper.

This was my first attempt at a live animal subject and sketching with a Pentel brush pen. This was drawn standing up calling her name as it was the only resource to get her to stand still. This is called a gesture sketch and probably doesn't take over 35 to 40 seconds to create...or however long your subject cooperates. These quick sketches are not meant to be fine art but only practice of capturing the essence of your subject.

The assignment was to draw a live animal everyday. Another gesture pose of Mollie with the brush pen. I really like it for fast sketches.

Mollie getting use to me following her around and tired too...but she won't be still for long!

 

 

 



 

 

I caught her napping in the sunshine before I left for work so I had a quick go at drawing her again.

 

 

 

 

 

And this is the way she looked laying in the sunshine on a cold winters day When it warms up a little I will try again sketching live animals on the farm. Maybe sheep, goats or llamas!

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Winter Post Card Swap by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

IHanna is doing a winter Post card swap and I have been playing with my Gelli, paints and water Crayons getting ready for it.  You must sign up, there is still plenty of time, and join in on the fun! You are suppose to create 10 postcards but it has been such fun I can't stop. 

Gelli printing is like mono printing but a whole lot easier. You don't have to have a press or special paper and you can do layer upon layer. However you choose to create your cards is as individual as you are and some lucky someone, somewhere will enjoy getting one. Oh this is an international swap so your cards could come from anywhere. Please come play!

Here are two of mine

Catclaw by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Catclaws have always intrigued me. My Grandmother was very creative and she made Texas cowboy mosquitoes out of them. I still have one that she made. Although she has been gone many years, the sight of a catclaw brings back memories of her and her creations. 

I am taking a class with Jane LaFazio this week in Sketchbook Skool and we are doing grids and composition. I decided to do the life cycle of a catclaw in ink and watercolor and it is 7x10.

This was my set up so that you can see the actual catclaw. The bloom reminds me of a small orchid and has a very heady smell. I can smell them on the wind sometime and the bees love them. They say catclaw honey is very tasty. The pod when it ripens splits into and then falls off and the catclaw is left to dry.

This is what my Grandmother made out of Catclaws and sold many of them.  Texas Catclaw Cowboys.   I guess she was ahead of her time in recycling things. She also made beautiful little rocking chairs, very ornate from cans. Grandmother could make anything!

Have a great week!

Fire Cider by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Fire Cider by Leada Wood, copyright 2014

Yes Skool is back in Session...Sketchbook Skool that is. This week I am documenting the days of my life in my sketchbook. This was my homework for today.

This sketch is very special to me because it represents time my daughter and I got to spend together. We don't get to spend much time together even though she lives in the same town, as she has seven children and is homeschooling them. Our time together is very precious to me.

This recipe is suppose to boost your immune system and hopefully keep you healthy during cold and flu season. This is our first year to make it and it has to sit for a month. I thought I would share it with you. To your good health!

Happy Fall Y'all by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Whooo's In The Pumpkin Patch? Copyright Leada Wood 2014

Autumn is my favorite time of year...the weather is pleasant and the haverst is in. I especially love all the cheery orange pumpkins and the trees turning shades of gold and red. " Whooo's In The Pumpkin Patch" is  9x11 unmatted, transparent watercolor created lovingly with artist grade materials and is available. 

"The Dance" by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

 

"The Dance" © Leada Wood 2014
www.leadawood.com

 

 

"The Dance" was a fun painting to do. It is an imaginary painting of Bootman and me...imaginary in that we never go dancing anymore...sad isn't it? I tried to depict movement and a soft romantic feeling to the painting. The Dance is transparent watercolor 15x22 and is in my private collection but prints are available.

 

#leadawoodart #mixedmedia #watercolor

Leada  Wood

 Live Joyfully!

my website

galleries



 

 



Forrest Friend by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Forrest Friend

 

15x22

Leada Wood©2014

Oh! How I love mixing mediums! This wise old owl has many layers of various mediums. I started with a drawing, then did a very loose under painting, a dusting of charcoal, more paint and finished up with charcoal and pastels. "Forrest Friend" is on archival paper with professional paints and he was definitely fun to paint.
 

#leadawoodart #mixedmedia #watercolor

Leada  Wood

 Live Joyfully!

my website

Dutch Art Gallery
Studio Twenty



 

 



Daily Offerings by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Daily Offerings

5x7 

 copyright Leada Wood 2014

Bootman brought in his produce from the garden and laid them on the counter. Glowing with the sun's warmth...vivid colors...begging me to paint them! So I did. The hardest part of daily sketching is not piddling too long on the paper. Trying to keep the sketch fresh and not overworked, loose.  I used contour line with an orange watercolor pencil and then began laying in the local colors. The shadows came next with just a touch of calligraphy to define some edges.
I hope you enjoyed my daily offering.

#leadawoodart #mixedmedia #watercolor

                                                                   

Leada  Wood

 Live Joyfully!

my website

galleries

San Patricio, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

                                                     

                                 La Inglesia de San Patricio by Leada Wood copyright 2014

I am still working in my sketchbook...trying to cultivate daily painting habits. This study was done from a photograph my brother took when we were visiting New Mexico. La Inglesia de San Patricio was built in 1875 and has been painted many times by artists and probably thousands of photograph have been taken there. I myself painted Plein air there several years back, and have wanted to revisit and paint the old church again.

A few tips I learned from Liz Steel, in sketchbook skool when drawing buildings:

See patterns

Spend time observing the overall shape

Look for the center line and other major divisions, important ledges, count windows, check proportions 

Look at details, draw them in the air. Then draw them on paper, individually so you know them.

All this is done in thumbnails before you sketch the building.

Then:

Do a setup of the overall shape and major divisions in watercolor pencil, are you happy with the proportions ? Correct as you go with pen and ink, make sure it is waterproof. Then paint with watercolor.

It really does help when you break it down and get to know the building. But remember it is a painting not a photograph so enjoy the wonkiness of your lines. It makes it more interesting and personal!