Friday, June 27, 2014

Fresh And Loose, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist



This is what was on my gator board today. I wanted to sketch a blue hydrangea with watercolor pencils and then paint as loosely as I could without overworking it and adding too much detail.


I use a possum palette from Cheap Joes, and it keeps my paints nice and juicy. Sometimes I do add a little water, but they never dry up and crack like some palettes I have used. There are individual cups with lids for your paints. I also enjoy the three separate mixing wells, and it has a carrying sleeve that the whole palette fits into. Makes traveling with that palette a whole lot easier. Sweet!


Here is a close up. I just let the color mingle and mix on the paper...and let the paint do its magic.



Here is the final version...fresh transparent watercolor. Still in love with them after all these years!
 Have a great weekend!



Wednesday, June 25, 2014

THE RAIN BRINGS, BY LEADA WOOD, TEXAS ARTIST

 
My Mom and Dad brought me this sign from one of their trips to Missouri, many years ago. It sure sums up how I feel about my garden! Here at Dragonfly farm in Texas we have been blessed with rain and cool, cloudy days...but I know the heat will be on eventually. I have been out capturing the moments with my camera so during the dog days of summer I can sit in my cool studio and paint. I wanted to share some of them with you.




Nothing as beautiful as our flag waving in the breeze. The symbol of our freedom, so many have given their lives for the privilege... and I am grateful.  This photo was from a trip to the hill country to see all the gorgeous wildflowers.






Feeling a little tropical around here with all the Hibiscus in full bloom.  Boot Man gave  them to me for Mother's Day! Flowers I can enjoy all summer long, they love the heat and bloom profusely.




The Petunias have loved the rain as well and are bigger than a bushel basket. The baby kittens love to hide under them.





The Herbs and garden have enjoyed the rain as well. You can see the garden has been calling me and taking my time away from painting and blogging...ah well, it's LIFE! I have been enjoying the time in the garden, while it is cool enough to do so. These photos are of some of my Herbs, Sage, Basil, and Dill. I grow others as well.




The Caterpillars have been plentiful on the Fennel...I grow it just for them. In turn I have lots of beautiful butterflies. As you can see from the photo they get pretty big!





Spring on Dragonfly Farm always brings baby kittens, one of my favorite things! I hope you have enjoyed my little tour of the farm and a peek into my life. Now you know what I have been up to...just in case you wondered. Have a wonderful week!

Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.   James 1:17

Friday, June 20, 2014

PURPLE IRIS BY LEADA WOOD, TEXAS ARTIST

PURPLE IRIS
 
9X11


PURPLE IRIS BY LEADA WOOD

AVAILABLE

 
I was reading an article by Kathie George on batik watercolors. Although I have been doing batik watercolor for a long time her technique was a little different from mine so I thought I would give it a go. I used my mixture of batik wax instead of paraffin like she suggested.  I did enjoy using brushes instead of the batik tools I normally use.  I enjoy the feel and the looseness it gives to the painting. The scariest part of all, in both techniques is at the end when you wad your rice paper into a ball. Sometimes holes occur so one must proceed with caution and practice. I also have done batik  with  acrylic paint and that's another whole ball of wax!
Have a great weekend!
 
 
 
 
#leadawoodart #mixedmedia #watercolor
Leada  Wood
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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Easy Riders, by Leada Wood

   
                                     
                                             
                                             Easy Riders by Leada Wood, copyright 2014
                                                                        Available

These two hound dawgs are off for a Sunday drive with their master. This painting was especially fun to create as I had two entertaining subjects. Easy Riders is an original transparent watercolor on archival paper and is 9x11 unmatted. These dawgs are looking for a home!