“The Candyman” by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Candyman" ©2018 Leada Wood

What would Christmas be without a few sweet treats? The smell of cinnamon, vanilla and peppermint wafting in the air and fresh baked cookies waiting to be decorated. Whatever your pleasure I hope you share some of your sweet treats with friends and loved ones.

I have a granddaughter who  LOVE, LOVE, LOVES candy and I thought of her fondly as I was painting The Candyman.  I just know all that candy is what has made her so sweet! We all need more sweetness in our lives of one kind or another so be charitable to everyone.  No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

“The Tiny Tailor” by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Tiny Tailor" ©2018 Leada Wood

It is the most wonderful time of the year, so why does it seem to go so fast? Amid all the “holidaze” preparations I have been getting ready for a solo exhibition of Christmas paintings. Last year I started an “Just Elfin Around” series that I decided to carry on this year, focusing on the crafty side instead of the musical. It has been fun painting them and a good thing I finished before the Holidaze started! 

As I am painting wee folks I am reminded of the talents of my eight amazing granddaughters. They are all creative and have special talents of their own. This tiny tailor brought reflections of them quilting. We are talking 8-15 year olds, which is awesome in our fast paced technological world. It also stirred memories of a slower time when all young ladies learned sewing skills and other crafts. I hope we realize what we are giving up for this modern life. We need to nurture ourselves and our children and help them to discover and explore their talents as well as our own.  Craft and creativity still abounds in our high tech lives, we just need to slow down and honor our gifts.

iHannas Postcard Swap by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

It was an exciting year for the iHannas postcard swap. The cards came from everywhere and were all original in design and this year I received a bonus card for 11 total! They came from Israel, Kodak Island Alaska, Jacksonville Florida, Shoreline Washington, 2 from Phoenix Arizona,  Redwood City California,  2 from Sweden, one I couldn't read the postmark, and last but not least Texas.

The top one with the pretty zinnias was from Alaska and she put a treasure of a cute ladybug pin on the top that was from the 1940s. The one below, in the spirit of autum colors had leaves that were made from paper that had flower seeds in them and it was from Texas.

Such fun making new friends all over the world! Creativity is putting your imagination to work!

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Creativity takes courage and  I thank all of these creative souls for sharing their art with me and Hanna for hosting the swap.

Watercolor, Mixed Media, Sunflowers by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

The hot days of July are upon us with their fluffy white clouds floating in the turquoise blue sky...ahhhh summer! The prickly pear cactus are bearing fruit and the sunflowers are abundant, life in west Texas is good!

July is also World of Watercolor month, in order to celebrate I have been doing a few watercolors, mostly in my sketchbook and as cards for friends, in other words just for fun! That is what art should be... enjoyable, to celebrate the moments of my life and to share them with you!

"Sun Seekers" ©2017 Leada Wood

"Sun Seekers" is 11x15 on Archival paper, painted with transparent watercolors using mixed media to give drama and mystery.