Here’s The Thing, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Being an artist is not all running around the countryside painting idyllic scenery like one might think. Nor living it up with the gang in the studio.  It’s a lot of time spent alone putting in the hours to hone your craft, whether you’re feeling creative or not. Inspiration won’t come knocking if your not working.

One must wear many hats as an artist, taking care of marketing, social media, bookkeeping, shipping, packaging, cleaning the studio, gallery representation, art walks, art shows, doing demos, classes and the list goes on and on. That doesn’t include what I have to do in my other life. So you see it’s a very busy but good life. I am one of the fortunate ones who gets to live this frenzied Artist life that I have
a passion for. It wouldn’t be for everyone but when it chooses you, you are truly blessed.

Just a little bit of the packaging getting ready for an art walk. I matt, wrap and label each painting as well as make labels and signs for them. I also must take good photographs of each drawing, and painting, and catalog them, as well as take all my refrence photos.

Although there is a lot of work besides painting, I really enjoy the work I do. To be able to dream something up and put it on canvas and have it turn out is a wonderful feeing.

I am always thinking of the next painting, how can I do it different, what am I trying to say? What inspires me...everything...the way light hits a flower or the colors of the clouds or shadows. Nature is everywhere and it captures all my senses. I am an observer and curious about every little thing, it's who I am.

I think anyone can be paint if they are willing to put in the time and learn the skills. Most people are creative, maybe they haven’t discovered that about themselves, but when they do, OH what a
journey they are in for!

"I simply do not distinguish between work and play" ----Mary Oliver

"Curiosity about life in all of its aspect, I think, is still the secret of great creative people"
                                                                                                                                   --Leo Burnett

"Creativity is contagious, pass it on" ---Albert Einstein

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best." ----Henry Van Dyke



Happy New Year! by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Little Friar ©2018Leada Wood

I have been trying to do a drawing a day in my sketchbook but sometimes life happens and I don't get it done. I thought I would let you peek at my sketchbook and see the fun objects I have been drawing from around my home. This little fellow has such a lively face and makes me smile when I look at him. The little Friar creamer was rescued from an antique store in San Angelo before he became mine. 

Sorry I am late wishing you a happy new year, and if this first 9 days is any indication, it is going to be a very busy 2018! I am taking not one but two online classes and they both are for the whole year. I am a member of Wanderlust 2018 and Art Studio and they both promise to be amazing! I hope your new year is exciting and you are learning new things. 

This is a little acrostic poem about the new year.

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life. - Find the good in all situations
A ttitude is just as important as ability.- Keep your attitude positive
P assion find yours this year! - Do what you love and you will never work
P ositive thoughts make everything easier.- Stay focused and stay positive
Y ou are unique, with special gifts, use them. - Never forget you have talent

N ew beginnings with a new year.
E nthusiasm a true secret of success.
W ishes may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by to quickly, enjoy them.- Wisdom from your elders, listen
E nergy may you have lots of it. - Take care of yourself
A ppreciation of life, don't take it for granted. - Live each day
R elax take the time to relax in this coming year.- Keep a balance in your life