"Poire", Watercolor by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Poire" ©2017 Leada Wood

It must be the heat, keeping me indoors making me restless,so I headed to my studio to try some new techniques in watercolor. I used Arches 140# and drew a simple composition. I then decided to add Unyru paper bits here and there to give some texture and interest to the composition. When the collage was dry I painted the pears transparently with watercolor. Then I divided up the background and went in with dark complimentary colors, wet on wet. While this was still damp I used a stencil and sanded a watercolor pencil over it, misting it to activate the specks of color. It was a fun experiment mixing media in watercolor and I am pleased with the mystery and drama it gives to the painting. Thanks for stopping by!

Cool In The Pool, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Cool In The Pool" ©2017 Leada Wood

It's officially summer and the temperatures in Texas have been heating up. It is usually July before it is over 100 degrees but this year the heat arrived early.  The pool looks inviting so I decided to do a little watercolor of a girl floating in the pool trying to stay cool. This was actually a card to my daughters family, I thought the kids would get a giggle from it.

Do you remember the endless summer days when you were a kid? I would walk to Ruddick park, where our town's swimming pool was and spend the afternoon. Swimming in the cool water, giggling with my friends, and jumping off the high board. Smelling of chlorine eating laffy taffy or a Chico sticks as a treat on the walk home. Hearing locust singing their songs in the trees and the smell of freshly mowed grass wafting in the air... in the good old summertime of my childhood.

Hope this brings a few sweet summer memories to your mind and you are staying cool somewhere!

A Peek In My Sketchbook, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Purple Beauties" ©2017 Leada Wood

Eggplant is such a wonderful veggie and I have only discovered it in the last few years. I bake it in the oven to make a little Eggplant Parmesan or sauté it with a little garlic and add to my spaghetti sauce. Mostly I love the color and the shape and it beckons me to paint it. These beauties were growing in our garden as I searched for one big enough for dinner. As always I had my iPhone with me to capture the moment so I can paint it when I have time.  Have a great week!

Roadrunner, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Mr. Roadrunner ©2017 Leada Wood

He's back! Mr Roadrunner has come visiting again leaving his sticks on the porch as a calling card. Here on the ranch we have lots of wildlife visitors to entertain us. Life on the ranch is never dull and something always needs attention. Living in rural west Texas has drawbacks but it is also the sweet life.

The Roadrunner is a member of the Cuckoo family and is amusing to watch. Born to run they can outrun a human, kill rattlesnakes and survive in the harshish enviroments. They hold a special place in Native American legends and are revered for their courage, strength, speed and endurance. Although agile on the ground, Roadrunners don't fly well. Gliding from a perch to the ground for short distances or a short burst of flight to seek a hiding place is the extent of their ability.

Long live La Dolce Vita and the Roadrunner!

A Peek In My Sketchbook, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"A Peek In My Sketchbook" ©2017 Leada Wood

Ahhh...vine ripened tomatoes, warm from the sun just waiting for you to pop in your mouth...pure bliss. In all our years of organic gardening we have never grown cluster tomatoes and didn't know we were this year. What a nice surprise! Bootman came in dangling this dazzling little cluster of porters and I knew I had to paint them before they were eaten. Adorable and delectable...a feast for the eyes and the tummy.

Funny how a mix up from the garden center can make your day. We haven't had much luck with tomatoes in recent years so this year we decided to take a different approach, after trying many other approaches in previous years. We planted our little beauties straight into our compost piles and they seem to be loving their environment. We are off to a good start and hopefully will have enough tomatoes to share. Have a wonderful weekend!

Drawing With Graphite, Dog Portraits by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Baxter"  ©2017 Leada Wood 

Baxter was such a joy to draw. He was a rescue dog, well loved by his owners. No longer with them the daughter commissioned a portrait for her mom in memory of her beloved companion. I hope she likes it!