"Country Church" Watercolor by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Country Church" is a transparent watercolor honoring small community churches. This old church is over 100 years old and still in operation every Sunday. The faithful continue to enter the doors and rejoice with singing.

This painting was a gift for my Mother in law whose family helped establish the church and worshiped there.

I am grateful to all the men and women who have served our country so that we can keep our freedoms. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

"Country Church" by Leada Wood ©2017

"Holi Elephant" By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

I have been watching a series called Indian Summer and the beginning of every show begins with colored powders being tossed into the air. Indians celebrate  a Holi festival throwing perfumed, colored powder into the air and everyone and anything is fair game. The powders signify the coming of spring and the new colors it brings to nature.

All the vivid colors excites my senses and of course I had to try it with paint! Yes there has been some paint slinging going on in the studio lately and maybe more to come.

"Holi Elephant" ©2017 Leada Wood

In my minds eye I could see an elephant emerging through the brilliant colors so that is what I portrayed onto the canvas.  My mom collected elephants and I have a fond attachment to the amusing creatures myself. In the Hindu way of thought, the elephant symbolizes fortune, protection and is a blessing upon all new projects. They are also known for their strength, honor, stability and focus on family.  Happy Mother's Day!

"Yellow Rose of Texas" by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

The Yellow Rose of Texas is what I call prickly pear cactus blooms. They are blooming now and are gorgeous! Prickly Pear are plentiful in West Texas along with different varieties of cactus.

There has been medical interest in the plant lately and studies show the pectin contained in the pulp lowers the levels of bad cholesterol. Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit and pads may lower diabetics need for insulin. I guess the saying let food be your medicine rings true! From Prickly Pear Margaritas to Prickly Pear jelly to grilled Nopales, the humble cactus offers it fruit as well as beauty.

 "The Yellow Rose of Texas" is a traditional folk song in the southwest. The original version was associated with the legend of how an indentured servant named Emily West, unwittingly aided the Texans in winning the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle in the War of Independence from Mexico.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little about the Prickly Pear, or as I like to call it The Yellow Rose of Texas. Thanks for stopping by!

"Yellow Rose of Texas" ©2017 Leada Wood 

"Yellow Rose of Texas" ©2017 Leada Wood

Happy May Day! Watercolor by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

The earliest May Day celebrations were held during the Roman Republic and appeared with Floralia, the Godess of flowers. As Europe became Christenized it became known for traditions of dancing around a maypole and crowing the Queen of May. Since the 18th century the Roman Catholics observe it with adorning the Virgin Mary with a crown of flowers and a two day feast. Fast forward to the 20th century and the  giving of small baskets of flowers or a paper cone with a small bouquet hung on a doorknob marked the first day of May.

Isn't it a shame that some traditions fall by the wayside in our fast paced world? I couldn't let the day pass without wishing you a happy May Day and sharing my little hummingbird and May flower with you!

Copyright 2017 Leada Wood