"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!