"The Flutist" Watercolor, Figure Painting, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist""

"The Flutist" ©2016 Leada Wood

I couldn't let the year end without sharing my gnome that I painted in December. He is a friend of another musician that I painted a few years ago. 

"The Fiddler" © 2013 Leada Wood

I hope your year has been merry and bright and wishing you an even brighter New Year, full of health, happiness, peace and joy! Thank you for reading my blog!



"Child Of Light" Watercolor by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Child Of Light" ©2016 Leada Wood

Angels live among us. Sometimes they hide their wings, but there is no disguising the peace and hope they bring.

Merry Christmas and God's blessings to all!

"Little Angel", Watercolor, Figure Painting by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Little Angel" by Leada Wood©2016

Tis the season for good cheer, kindness, peace and joy!  Wishing you and yours a warm Christmas season filled with love.

"Paper plain and simple...white as the snow.
A little paint and water and an angel does appear." Leada Wood

Inspired by one of the real, live angels that lives among us.

"Writing On The Wall", Figure Painting, Angels, Mixed Media by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Writing On The Wall" ©2016 Leada Wood


"Hear The Angels Sing" is my new solo Christmas exhibit of angels I have painted through the years. Created in Watercolor, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Monoprint, and Collage, it makes an interesting and versatile exhibition. The show will run the month of December at First Bank, Colorado City.

"Writing On The Wall" was created for the Lubbock Art League
 show at the Legacy Gallery. It is a mixed media triptych in collage and acrylic with lots of texture and is 30" by 54", this is the middle panel.

Figure Painting, Mixed Media, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Dreaming Of Wonderland" ©Leada Wood 2016

"Dreaming Of Wonderland" won another blue ribbon at the Big Country Regional Art Show.  I had so much fun creating this mixed media painting. I  enjoy doing figure paintings in a way that they might remind you of someone you know. I have so many models that my muses will keep me painting for a lifetime. Thank you Katie for inspiring this painting!

Value Sketches, Watercolor Studies, Figure Painting by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

I saw this young lady blowing bubbles straight from her hand at a Renaissance Faire in Houston. The ambience of the faire was magical as it transported you back into time. Folks were decked out in their finest costumes and everything was decorated for Christmas. The colors, smells, sounds and sights were inspirational for me. 

"Fairy Bubbles" ©Leada Wood 2016

This is a color study of the Fairy in watercolor. Still trying to capture the light and magical feel of the scene.

I thought I would show you a little of what goes on while I am planning a figure painting. When you do small studies you don't have much time invested but it gives you an idea of where the painting could go. I really like the fourth color study the best and already have another one drawn on watercolor paper. It's difficult to capture the light and feeling of a place but that is one part of the challenge of painting that I love.

"Every possibility begins with the courage to imagine"



Happy Thanksgiving!



"Acorns" by Leada Wood©2016

"Acorns" is a tribute to autumn and the bountiful blessings that are bestowed on us daily. I am grateful I can create a feast for the eyes as well as for the soul. I wish you and yours a blessed and

joyful thanksgiving!

"Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk oh Lord in the Light of your countenance...for you are the Glory of their strength." Psalm 89:15&17

Value Sketches, Color Studies, Watercolor Graphite, by Leada Wood,Texas Artist

"Lilli" by Leada Wood ©2016

I recently attended a watercolor figure workshop with Peggi Habets. She is an amazing instructor and artist. Peggi says to achieve a likeness in a painting, the values have to be accurate and that is the tricky part. The values are perceived in relationship to the other values surrounding it. Very difficult to take a piece of white paper and sculpt it into a 3D representation of a person. We did thumbnails sketches, value studies and color studies before we ever started our subject. It was interesting and a little addictive.

The top painting was my first attempt, next is my value sketch, and color study. I still haven't captured my subject to my satisifaction but I can see growth along the way. After I got home I wanted to try something new. The bottom value sketch was done with watercolor graphite and was really a learning curve to sketch with a brush. One of the things I learned along the way is that I need to use watercolor paper instead of drawing paper. I think I will try the water soluble graphite on hot pressed paper next time.

The class stirred up memories of why I wanted to paint when I first began. I always loved Mary Cassatt, Norman Rockwell and John Singer Sargent's work. The way they captured a likeness of everyday life and recorded it. I know I have a long way to go but the fun is in the trying.

Mixed Media Gals, Contemporary Figure Art by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Fun Weekend at Studio 20. Busy week so I decided it was play time! It is always a pleasure to just play with paint and not have an agenda...to go with the flow and see where the painting takes you.

What a wonderful diversion to smear paint around and make a color field painting...sometimes they turn out and sometimes they don't.  It's only paper and you can always use it for collage or gesso over it. I am a big believer in repurposing.

I decided to take it to the next level, so I drew free hand with gesso and a brush trying to keep it transparent enough so that the under painting would show through. I could have stopped there but nooooo.....I was having too much fun!

I brought her to completion with pan pastels, chalk paint pen, black fine tip pen, Tombow pens and a water brush. She is really a mixed media gal! It was a fun experiment and I want to do some more. Why don't you give it a try?

Artist Of Texas Show, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Happy Fall Y'all !  I am so excited to have three of my paintings juried into the annual Artist of Texas fall show, "Open Spaces".  Living in the Wild West I enjoy observing all God' s creatures big and small and that inspires me to capture them in my paintings.

"A Good Scratch" ©Leada Wood 2016

Some critters we don't see as much as we use too, like the Jack Rabbit. They use to roam the range everywhere, maybe it's getting too crowded and they have moved on. Whatever the reason I still love to paint them and get really excited when I spot one of the long eared fellows!

 "A Good Scratch" is watercolor on archival paper and won an honorable mention in the Art League of West Texas Foundation's Spring show this year.

"Mama's Lillies" ©Leada Wood 2016

We have Hummers darting around our yard from early spring to October when they make their long journey to warmer climates. They especially love the Red Salvia bushes and the Canna Lillies in the garden. Inspiration is all around when you can "see" and look with "artists eyes".

"Bird On A Wire"  ©Leada Wood 2016

Seeing a Scissored Tailed Flycatcher is a sure sign of spring in West Texas. I try to hold off planting my garden until I see they are back and the mesquites are out. They are quite aggressive and sometimes you will see two of them picking on a hawk or bigger big bird,  maybe their idea of fun. 

They like to spend their winters in Mexico along with the Hummingbirds and a lot of other birds. Who wouldn't love a nice tropical climate while the cold north winds blow.

The "Open Spaces" exhibition will run from September 13th until October 22nd. The Breckenridge Fine Arts Center is a beautiful gallery and the drive is certainly worth doing to see all the exceptional art. The reception is Setember 17th and I plan on being there so stop by and say howdy!

Parrot Of The Caribbean, Contemporary Bird Art by Leada Wood,Texas Artist

Parrot Of The Caribbean is painted in acrylic paints and is on the cover of my new travel sketchbook. He was such a fun and lively looking little fellow that I thought he might bring a smile your way today. Now to start on the inside! Have a wonderful weekend!

Let The Good Times Roll, Mixed Media, Original, Contemporary Art, byLeada Wood, Texas Artist

"Let The Good Times Roll" ©2016 Leada Wood

Pink flamingos are always fun to paint and always remind me of Alice and her adventures...kind of like Leada Land where nothing is as it seems. We have been on a great adventure here at Dragonfly Farm...called remodeling. What stared out as a 3 week job has now turned into 6. Do you remember the movie The Money Pitt...now you have the picture! Oh my!

It's always a good feeling to fill up a sketchbook and start a new one. The covers must be designed first, so no plain black sketchbooks for me. Bootman is a pilot so I get all the outdated maps for collage papers. I really like painting over maps of all kinds, letting the paint be transparent in places so that the map peeks through. "Let The Good Times Roll" is mixed media using acrylic paint, stablio pencil and collage.

"I knew who I was this morning but I have changed a few times since then"

                                                                                                                  ----Alice

Happy Fourth Of July! Watercolor Painting by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Happy Fourth Of July" by Leada Wood©2015

"Sand Dollar", Coastal Paintings by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Sand Dollar"by Leada Wood©2016

Have you ever found a whole, white glistening sand dollar laying at your feet while walking on the beach? Finding a perfect sand dollar is one of life's little pleasures. Our family is easily entertained seeking sea treasures while strolling along jumping waves and dodging jellyfish. Even finding the broken pieces gives quite a thrill to young and old alike. It is amazing how some sand dollars continue to remain intact with the relentless pounding of the surf. Maybe a life lesson there...some are damaged and some are unharmed within the currents of tide and time.

"Goldie", Coastal Painting by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Ok, ok, maybe I am watching too much Island Life and Beachfront Bargain Hunt...but they are

inspirational for my beach series. Things are really heating up in Texas and nice cool water looks good wherever it is!

Adela Pech once told me to never lose my sense of whimsy in my art and thinking about beach things makes me want to paint entertaining, vibrant, colorful paintings. Remembering all the fun island trips with the kids over the years just makes me smile...so I guess I am painting in my happy place now. 

Thanks for stopping by!

"Goldie" by Leada Wood©2016

"Mermaid Tales", Coastal Painting by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Mermaid Tales" by Leada Wood ©2016

I have been infatuated with the little mermaid ever since I saw her in the harbor of Copenhagen. She is a Danish icon inspired from the story by Hans Christen Anderson, long before Disney came out with the movie. Now over a hundred years old she still reigns supremely on her rock in the harbor.

There have been myths, legends and stories about mermaids for centuries and most not as endearing
as Disney's Little Mermaid, Ariel. I prefer to think of them as guardians of the sea. They have, after
all gotten a bad rep for centuries. Maybe it's time for a cool change as the song by Little River Band implies.

I am currently doing a series of beach paintings and of course it wouldn't be complete without a mermaid. "Mermaid Tales" is rendered in acrylic on canvas and I have added a little sparkle here and there with glass beads. There are also genuine dried starfish collaged to the painting for added interest.

"You've got your own style, now let it shine through and remember no matter what...you got to be you!"          

          -------- Sebastian

                    

"Crusty Crab", Coastal Painting by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Crusty Crab" by Leada Wood©2016

Art takes you places and all this rain in Texas has me dreaming of sunny days at the beach. Don't get me wrong, after ten years of drought we Texans are very thankful that our rivers are running and lakes are filling up. The state is lush and green and cattle are grazing again. Not complaining just letting my mind wander...thinking of summer fun... like crabbing, fishing and swimming.

Art is more than a hobby, it is a way of life, a different way of seeing things. I am an observer and life inspires me. I endeavor to capture a moment in time, to express an emotion, to dream aloud on paper or canvas. I am not trying for photo realism, but to capture the essence of the subject with a painterly feel.

I guess you wonder what a west Texas gal has in common with crabs? Our family loves to go crabbing when we are at the beach...sometimes with a net and sometimes just observing them. I think they are pretty cute...God certainly has a sense of humor...don't you think?

"Crusty Crab" is interpreted in transparent watercolor. He would look so cute at a beach or lake house. Prints are available, just contact me. Thanks for stopping by! 

iHannas Spring Postcard Swap by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

This is my fourth postcard swap and I love getting art in the mail! It is amazing at the variety of different techniques and is exciting to see what part of the world they come from. The diving girl is from Norway.

 It is an eclectic mix of styles and interesting to see what each person comes up with. The world is full of talented people.

Near and far, it is always nice to make new friends or get a card from a old friend. Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
                                               --------unknown

May Flowers by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Walking in the garden looking at the flowers always makes me in a good mood. I guess you could say my mind and body are focused on natures beauty and it has a calming effect on my day. This spring has been wet and cool and the flowers and birds are loving it and so am I. 

Bootman knows I love Hibiscus and surprised me with 2 of every color for Mother's Day. I will enjoy the tropical flowers all summer long. They take the Texas heat and winds really well and bloom every day. He really knows the way to this girls heart!

The Bottlebrush tree is a Texas native plant and is so lovely when it blooms. I can see how it get its name.

Shasta Daises and Primroses are perennials. I love that they come back every year. 

These beautiful Balloon Flowers are enjoying the cool, wet weather. Love the violet color!

Another hardy favorite perennial is the red salvia. The hummingbirds and butterflies love this!

Walking out onto my porch and smelling my little herb garden is delightful. The dill has been especially fragarent, probably because the catipillars are munching on it. I don't mind as I know there will be butterflies this summer.

Our family especially enjoys fresh tomatoes with basil, feta cheese and olive oil. It's a summer staple at Dragonfly farm. I hope you have enjoyed a tour of my little piece of paradise and hope things are blooming with beauty at your place. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

"The earth laughs in flowers."

                      -----Ralph Waldo Emerson

Every Child Is An Artist, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Who doesn't love yummy strawberries dipped in chocolate! It is a tradition for the girls and I to dip a bunch of berries for the reception for the children's art show and other special occasions. Spring has arrived!

A labor of love for sure.

This cutie is enjoying her art class and using watercolor to paint her girly minion. Lots of concentration going on. 

This young lady likes to paint coffee cups and has done several different paintings of them.

These kiddos are in the zone working on their projects.

These girly girls are seasoned artists with years of experience under their belts. Always something new to learn and share in the art world. Fun times at Studio Twenty! 

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

                                                                                               ----Pablo Picasso

iHanna Postcard Swap by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

Postcards created by Leada Wood©2016

Postcards created by Leada Wood©2016

Happy Spring! It is that time again for the iHanna postcard swap. I did a series of postcards for the swap starting them all the same way by using acrylic paint and a scrapper, spreading the paint around. Then using stencils, hand made collage, glitter, washi tape, Gelli rollers and Tombow pens finished them up. I hope my new art swap friends like them!

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

                                                      -----Anais Nin

Follow Your Star by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Follow Your Star" by Leada Wood©2016

Elephants make me nostalgic...they remind me of my mama, as she had a huge collection. People were always gifting her with a new one to add to her menagerie. I sure miss her.

"Follow Your Star" is a mixed media in yummy, happy colors. The colors seemed to sing to me so I added the notes at the bottom...which led to the words "Follow Your star...Dance to your music."Isn't it funny how things evolve?

The elephant symbolizes many things...strength, wisdom, remembrance, patience, power, and compassion. No wonder it makes me think of my mama. Happy Mothers Day!

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal "

Dreaming Of Wonderland by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

I am so excited and honored that the Buddy Holly Center has chosen my painting "Dreaming of Wonderland" for their marketing representing the Art League of West Texas Foundation's Spring show. The exhibition, Bunnies and Hares...do you dare? will run May 6th thru June 12th. Stop by and visit the center when in Lubbock.

"Dreaming Of Wonderland" by Leada Wood ©2016

"Dreaming Of Wonderland" won first place!

"A Good Scratch" by Leada Wood ©2016

 "A Good Scratch" also won an Honorable mention.

My daughter and her family surprised me and made the trip to Lubbock to attend the reception! They made my day!

A fun photo on the sculpture at the Buddy Holly Center.

"Always believe something wonderful is about to happen."

Free To Be Me by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Free To Be Me" ©Leada Wood 2016

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my Happy, Whacky Bird series at least half as much as I enjoyed painting them. My desire was to bring color into your day and a smile to your face, I hope I succeeded. 

There is still time to run by Howard College and see them closer. The Caboose Watercolor exhibition will close May 4th. The show is  excellent with exciting work from various artists.

"Art is, after all, only a trace...like a footprint which shows that one has walked bravely and in great happiness."

                                                                                                                       ---Robert Henri                                               

Blackbird Fly, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Blackbird Fly" by Leada Wood ©2016

I just loved the Beatles...I can remember seeing them on the Ed Sulliven show. It was their first American performance. I was pretty young but my younger cousin and I followed our older cousin to their house to see what it was all about. I didn't quite get it...all those girls screaming on tv...and of course my older cousin was quite excited as well. I soon got it though and still enjoy their music. They were very creative and their music kind of changed the world of music. I never got to see the Beatles in person although I have gone to many concerts since then but I did get to see Paul and Ringo perform.

Music takes you places as well as visual art. That is why it is so important to support the arts...to keep creativity alive in our fast paced world.  Where would we be without art? All great inventions begin with an idea born out of a creative mind. Everything you wear, live in, drive , talk on, began with a vision born out of creativity.

"Blackbird Fly" is another mixed media painting in my Happy, Whacky Birds series.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these sunken eyes and learn to see. All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

                                                                                                 ---The Beatles

Happy Feet, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Happy Feet" by Leada Wood ©2016

"Happy Feet" is a mixed media collage created from hand painted papers. I just love painting the little birdies...real and imaginary. Happy Feet has bright cheerful colors that makes you smile just looking at him. This is one of my recent bird series created for the Caboose Watercolor show at Howard Collage. The reception is April 12th from 5:00 to 6:30, stop by and see the show, have some sips and snacks and say hi!

Star Light, Star Bright by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Star Light, Star Bright" by Leada Wood ©2016

Do you remember looking at the starry sky on a summers night and saying the little poem "Star Light, star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I may I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." It's funny when I am painting a title just pops into my head or sometimes during the drawing stage. They just seem to come out of the blue and remind me of different times throughout my life. That's why I always say " Art takes you places."

I have been working on this series of bird paintings for a show that the Caboose Watercolor Society is having at Howard College. The exhibition opened on April 1st and will run until May 4th. The reception will be April 12th from 5:00 to 6:30, be sure to drop by and see the show.

The birds are collaged from hand painted papers that I create with Gelli prints and then paint on top of the prints. It gives a whole different look to a painting. The process is a bit long but I enjoy it...I hope you do too!

"We lose ourselves in the things we love...we find ourselves there too."