30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Reach For The Stars" by Leada Wood ©2015

 

Day 30 of the 30-30 challenge

Sometimes inspiration waits until the 11th hour to strike, that was the case today. "Reach For The Stars" has been through so many changes today, I labored long and hard to get it done today. Mixed Media usually take a while to finish as there is usually an incubation process along the way, most are never finished in a day. I am not sure this one is finished but I had to come home sometime and this is it for today...and so ends this 30 day challenge.

I thought you might like to see a little of how I begin a mixed media so I am posting another photo of the beginning...beside the white canvas. This is another one I have begun. I forgot to take a photo of today's and there is music and writings barely visible under the paint, might not show in the low resolution photo above but the process is the same.

 

 

Thank you for looking at my paintings during this challenge and I appreciated the comments along the way! Keep checking my blog or follow by email and you will be notified when I post new works.

 Happy Trails!

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Watercolor

 



"Spartan" by Leada Wood ©2015

                           

Day 29 of the 30-30 challenge

I always thought my granddaughters would be ballerinas and some of them were for a season or two...but something happened and some became Warrior Women...Martial Arts caught their interest. They are earning their belts and their eyes are on the prize...the black belt.

I used a lot of symbolism in this painting. The symbol in the corner is Kanji for believe. The color red is symbolic for speed, strength, power, the golden hues represent energy and balance, black is symbolic for power and Spartan means disciplined, brave, undaunted. I think that pretty much sums up my little Warrior Women.

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Georgia On My Mind" by Leada Wood©2015

 

Day 28 Of the 30-30 challenge

Today it was back to transparent watercolor and flowers. I stay pretty traditional with transparent watercolor in that I don't use white paint, it's an illusion when I paint a white flower or object. The whitest white is actually the paper and very watered down glazes help form the shape and give it value.

Moon flowers always remind me of my Grandma and Mom. They always had them growing in their gardens and the flowers  bloom at night and are very fragrant. 

I was thinking about the Super Moon all day yesterday when I did the drawing and painting, maybe that was the inspiration for the painting. We  watched the eclipse until it was total and too chilly to sit outside, even with a blanket. It was amazing!

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Shorty" by Leada Wood©2015

Day 27 of the 30-30 challenge

This is "Shorty" he is the love birds, Slim and Lulu's best friend. He introduced them at the Feathered Friends Ball and they have been hanging out ever since. He is a shy little guy and kind of a wall flower but lots of fun when you get to know him.

Ok, ok, maybe this 30 day challenge is getting to me! Haha! I am making up imaginary friends and stories...but it is nearly finished...it's been fun but intense to come up with something new everyday, draw it, paint it, post it and share it. That's why they call it a challenge right? In the mean time life goes on... along side with birthday parties, baby sitting, grandkids, cooking, cleaning, washing, sports events, knee surgery, physical therapy...you know life...sweet life. I am so thankful for mine and that I am able to do what I enjoy and for my family and friends and all those who share this journey with me. 

Thanks for stopping by!

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Lulu" by Leada Wood©2015

Day 26 of the 30-30 challenge

This is Lulu, Slims girlfriend, she is one colorful bird, and they have lots of great adventures together! You remember Slim...he was day 25 of the 30-30 challenge. I just love painting my birds...especially the zany ones. Lulu is painted in acrylic on canvas board.

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

 

 

 

"Slim" by Leada Wood©2015

 

Day 25 of the 30-30 Challenge

This is Slim, a different kind of bird. You might remember the painting of "Slim, Shorty and Lulu Gone Wild" I did a while back in watercolor. It was the ONLY time I painted with watercolor on canvas.  I always wanted to paint them again so today was the day. Slim is painted with acrylics on an cradle board.

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Dragonfly by Leada Wood©2015

 

Day 24 of the 30-30 challenge

It has been a good year for Dragonflies at our house...especially the rust colored ones. I love to watch them fly and dart around and I also am fond of painting them. This evening Bootman and I lay in the hammock and watched them swarm above the treetops. I have never seen so many at once...swirling around and around...magical.

Dragonfly is acrylic on canvas board.

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

 

 

"Starry Crown" by Leada Wood©2015

 

Day 23 of the 30-30 challenge

What was I thinking today! Doing a torn paper collage on the day I was giving a birthday dinner for 12. Either I am an amazing woman or a special kind of stupid..I would rather think that I am amazing woman. I kind of always saw my self as super mom and Wonder Woman. 

"Starry Crown" is a torn paper collage...picture me ripping and tearing paper then gluing...you get the idea. I also have to hunt through my stash of papers for just the right ones. I used a page from an old hymnal that came from Grandmas Ruby's church. The pages are old and brittle and have a nice patina to them. I am not certain this is a finished painting...but it is as finished as it will be today.

 Thanks for stopping by!

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
 by Leada Wood©2015


Day 22 of the 30-30 challenge


When I am painting songs or phrases pop into my head...if I am lucky and that is how I get a lot of my titles." His Eye Is On The Sparrow" was the song I enjoyed humming as I created this mixed media. The little bird looked happy and cheerful and reminded me of mom.  It was one of my her favorite songs and I thought I would share it with you.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
                                                                                                                                                                          -Civilla D Martin

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Spirit Dreams" by Leada Wood©2015

Day 21 of the 30-30 challenge

"Spirit Dreams" is an acrylic mixed media painting. I begin by writing words or verses onto the blank canvas board. Then I use Gelli Prints that I create for the figures. I collage them on to a canvas board which has many layers of paint and papers, some are just barely visible. Mixed Media is a process and I really like doing them. It is almost like a puzzle to get all the patterns, textures and colors unified into a painting...and you never know IF or how it will turn out...just like any other media. 

I saw this on Bob Burridge's Bob Blast today.

"Collage is an intuitive process of concealing, revealing, adding and subtracting until the artist's goals and intentions emerge from the layers 

of construction and paint. Using a variety of materials and techniques, 

the artist invents in their "laboratory for creativity." Keeping with the 

original history of college art, it's all about risk-taking, new ideas, intentions and inventions."

That pretty much sums it up.

30 Paintings In 30 Days, By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Moon Dance by Leada Wood©2015

Day 20 of the 30-30 Challenge

"Moon Dance" is a mixed media painting using acrylic, collage, and water soluble crayon on canvas board. Ten days to go!

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Deli Cat by Leada Wood©2015

Day 19  of the 30-30 challenge.

Another Mixed Media, 5x7, collage, acrylic, water soluble crayons and Gelli Print. Busy weekend!

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Red Square by Leada Wood©2015

Day 18 Of the 30-30 challenge.

This is an 8x8 acrylic abstract painting on canvas board. 

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Angel Song by Leada Wood ©2015


Day 17 of the 30-30 Challenge


I thought I would continue the trend and do another mixed media today. Angel Song is collage, image transfer, and acrylic paint. I usually start a series of 10 or 12 at once and continue on from there...some make it to the finish lines and some don't. I can always gesso over the surface or just add more layers until I like it...and that is one of the beauties of mixed media and you cannot get the look any other way.



30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Dream by Leada Wood ©2015

 Day 16 of the 30-30 challenge

Some days it is hard to be inspired...to paint. Maybe it is enough just to show up and try, today was one of those days. This is a small mixed media with an image transfer. I embossed the word dream and sun with gold sparkle. I needed a little play time, may continue the trend tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by!

Oh in case you might wonder how the mutton bustin came out last night at the West Texas Rodeo, our little sweet mutton buster won 2nd place! We are so proud of her. Her dream was to ride and win a belt buckle...it just goes to show you dreams can come true.

The picture below is with the Rodeo Queens.

West Texas Fair And Rodeo 2015

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Calling All Crows by Leada Wood©2015



Day 15 of the 30-30 challenge



Even though it is still hot in Texas I know autumn is going to get here someday. My thoughts have been turning toward cooler weather, pumpkins, autumn leaves and all things fall. I decided to paint a pumpkin and a crow for a taste of autumn for this daily painting. Now off to get ready for the rodeo where my little grand daughter is mutton bustin'

Ok we are back from the fair and rodeo and I had to give everyone a heads up on Averi and her Mutton bustin'. This was her second time to ride a mutton ever, at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo..Averi is 7 and very determined and fearless. That little girl could ride she hung on for all she was worth, a boy beat her by a few feet so she won second,,,which is amazing! And she won her belt buckle...sooo proud of the buckle, that was her mission was to win a belt buckle. I am so proud of you Averi! Love you to the moon and back!



30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

 

 

 

Goat With The Golden Horns by Leada Wood©2015

 

Day 14 of the 30-30 challenge

Nearly half way through with the 30-30 challenge and I am still hanging in there. Had physical therapy this morning so that cut into my painting time a little...but I got it finished this afternoon. Now I am off to  the drawing board to get ready for tomorrow. 

30 Paintings In 30 Days, Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage



By The Light Of The Moon by Leada Wood©2015

Day 13 of the 30-30 challenge

So far during this challenge I have been trying to paint objects in sunlight. I thought for a change of pace I would try a night time scene, by moonlight. This is a study of a pumpkin truck in the moonlight.

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Quirky Quail by Leada Wood©2015

Day 12 of the 30-30 challenge

Painting another one of my collection of Talavera pottery. Since I have drawn and painted these I have even more respect for the Mexican craftsmen who decorate pottery. I know they have a quota that they must meet...pretty amazing when I think about it. They probably do dozens of large pots every day! I was relieved when I finished this daily painting, a little tedious.

 Thanks for stopping by...have a great weekend!

Remembering 9-11, Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

30 Paintings In 30 Days

Remembering 9-11 by Leada Wood©2015

Day 11 of the 30-30 Challenge.

I wanted to do something in rembrance of 9-11 so I decided to paint two symbols of our country. I still get chills at a ball game when the National Anthem is sung and I love to see Old Glory waving in the breeze against the bright blue sky. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all that has been given to keep our great nation home of the free...I hope we never forget. God bless America!

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

 

 

 

Misty Morning ©Leada Wood, 2015

 

Day 10 of the 30-30 challenge.

Misty Morning is a Batik watercolor created with wax, watercolor and a very transparent, handcrafted paper.  Look closely and you can see the fibers of the paper... I like the texture it gives to a painting.

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

St Francis In Sunlight ©Leada Wood 2015

Day 9 of the 30-30 challenge

I always liked the Prayer of Peace that St Francis wrote, I have it hanging in my studio. I also have a statue of him in my garden...it's getting really old. I enjoy the way the sun hits it and the shadows it makes. I tried to evoke the warm sunny feel in this painting. He is a patron saint of the animals and birds land on my statue...so it must be so.

I thought I would share St Francis of Assisi Prayer of Peace with you.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

I think his words are as timely today as they were when he penned this poem in the 13th century. May God's peace be with you.

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Lemons ©Leada Wood, 2015

 

Day 8 of the 30-30 Challenge

Some days it is just harder to get it done, as simple as this looks...it takes time. This is my first attempt to render a lemon in watercolor and a learning curve. Painting yellows in watercolors is        

not easy, it is difficult to get various shades of the hue. That is why I enjoy the 30-30 challenge...it pushes me to try new things and to do a painting a day. Thanks for stopping by!

30 Paintings In 30 Days, By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Texas Artist, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

South Light ©2015 Leada Wood



 Day 7 of the 30-30 challenge.

 

Talavera Pottery is hands down my favorite decorative pottery. It just makes you happy to look at it with all the pretty colors and designs. I like pairing it with succulents which do well in our hot dry climate. This still life is of my south window sill where I enjoy the plant year round. I tried to depict the warm light that comes in the window... I hope it brightens your day!

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Texas Artist, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Open Season by Leada Wood ©2015

Dove Season has arrived! Long awaited by boys and men alike...the hunt is on. I live in the country and you can hear them going at it from early until late. Now don't get me wrong, I love to eat bar-b-que dove and you only get it during the season, IF your guys have a good hunt.

I love my birds but I see why there is a hunting season on dove...we have an abundance of them. They hang around my bird feeders like sparrows and those guys can eat! My Mom in law counted 50 on her back yard fence. Well... that is life in the country...now what  about those pigeons?

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Texas Artist, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Natural Harmony ©2015 Leada Wood

 

 

Day 5 of 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.

This is the companion piece to yesterday's Morning Light.  Painted in a triad of transparent watercolor, cobalt blue, permanent rose and lemon yellow on archival artist paper.

It is almost Monach season, I have seen a few floating around outside the window. Maybe they are scouts for the kaleidoscope of butterflies to come. We have Ash trees in our yard and some seasons they will be covered with monarchs...it is a sight to behold! Isn't nature amazing...everything working according to plan and in harmony, just the way our Creator intended.

Reminded me of the hymn "All Things Bright And Beautiful" by Cecil Francis Alexander.

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful: 
the Lord God made them all.

1. Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
and made their tiny wings. 
(Refrain)

2. The purple-headed mountains,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning
that brightens up the sky. 
(Refrain)

3. The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden: 
God made them every one. 
(Refrain)

4. God gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. 

Have a safe and relaxing weekend!

30 Paintings In 30 Days By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood Contemporary Texas Artist, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Morning Light ©2015 Leada Wood

Day 4 of Thirty Paintings in 30 days challenge. 

Getting harder to get a painting a day already...life goes on...I guess that is why they call it a challenge! These pink coneflowers are painted in transparent watercolor and have a companion piece to go with it but you will have to wait until tomorrow to see. Thanks for stopping by!

30 Paintings In 30 Days by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage



Blue Parrot ©2015 Leada Wood

 

Day 3 and I am still going! Painting this parrot brought back memories of when we traveled to Isla Roatan and monkeys and parrots were everywhere in the rain Forrest. I got to hold a monkey, he was very curious...everything was lovely until he climbed on my head , covered my eyes and started messing with my earrings! Apparently they like shiny objects. The care taker said not to make any sudden moves...right. Try remaing calm with a monkey on your head! Fun place to visit not sure I would want to live there...hot and humid!

30 Paintings In 30 Days, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood contemporary Texas Artist, watercolor, mixed media and collage

Studio Still Life ©2015 Leada Wood

 

Day 2 of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. This still life is of a handcrafted pitcher I made years ago and from a bird I bought in Denmark at an artists studio. The artist was famous for his brown birds and I brought a small flock home with me.  I still enjoy my birds and think of all the amazing places our dear friends took us! No still life would be complete without the world famous pear.

30 Paintings In 30 Days, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist



Garden Fresh ©2015 Leada Wood

 

It's that time again! Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and today is day one. This makes the 4th challenge I have done and so far I have finished all 30 days in each challenge. It is not always easy getting through the challenge but is a good feeling when I finish 30 paintings in 30 days. It is amazing to be a part of artists all over the world striving to reach the same goal.

We have been blessed with an abundant garden this year. Enough harvest to eat, freeze and share with family and friends. I love to paint the fresh peppers and tomatoes that come from the garden...you could say they inspire me. 

Nature is all around me and does inspire my creativity. Colors of every hue and description make me want to get out my brushes and keep them wet depicting flowers, fauna or vegetables from the garden. I hope you enjoy seeing what the next 30 days bring as I try to get a painting a day completed. Thanks for stopping by!