“The Barista” by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Barista" ©2018 Leada Wood

Christmas is a time for reflecting and nostalgia. I have been thinking a lot about my family’s traditions during the holidays and it’s the small things I remember. Hot cocoa with marshmallows on a cold winter’s day, popcorn and Christmas movies with the kids, decorating the house with great cheer and making ornaments, singing carols and baking.

 For me Christmas memories are all about family and the fun times we have had. We are still making those memories with the newer members of our family and we hope they will be as special to them as they are to us. 

The inspiration for my art comes from ordinary, everyday life and the sweet folks who surround me. I feel very blessed to have the people I love to share  my life with and I thank God for them. I am also grateful for the gift of creativity and I hope you enjoy my little productions and they bring a little light into your world. Shine on!

"Just Elfin' Around" by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Flutist" ©2017 Leada Wood

You just never know what you are going to get in life... always full of surprises...some good and some not so good. I always wanted to play the flute but when it came time to pick out an instrument for band my parents selected a school owned instrument for me. I became a French horn player instead. I did like playing my horn for the next 6 years but did not enjoy marching with it.

"Just Elfin' Around, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"It's All About da Bass" ©2017 Leada Wood

"It's All About da Bass" was inspired by my fondness of the bass fiddle. My dad was a musician and I grew up around various instruments and musicians, most were family and friends. They would jam when together and the bass was the heartbeat of the band. Thanks for stopping by!

"Just Elfin' Around" by Leada Wood Texas Artist

"Special Delivery" ©2017 Leada Wood

                                                              

"Just Elfin' Around"  is a new series I have been working on for years. I started it in 1998 when my dad passed away and I have been painting Christmas scenes every year since. This year I completed eight new ones inspired by my childhood when Christmas was filled with wonder.  I know I am so blessed to be able to do what I love and I enjoy sharing my paintings with you. I hope my little elves bring a smile to your face and give you a little of the spirit of Christmas.

"Just Elfin' Around" by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Fiddler"©2017Leada Wood

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I have a passion for Christmas and the love and the magical feelings that abound during the season. It’s a family tradition in our home and I wish that we could keep the incredible kindness and good cheer that abounds alive the rest of the year!

My parents did Christmas amazingly well, not quite a page out of Norman Rockwell’s paintings but close. My daddy especially loved Christmas and was the Spirit of Christmas to me. We celebrated both the religious and secular nature of Christmas and observed the holidays from Thanksgiving until New Years Day. Don and I continue the festive traditions today and have a wonderful legacy to celebrate.

Growing up in a musical family was very special as our family band would get together and play nearly every Sunday in someone’s home. My daddy could play almost any instrument and play it well. During Christmas the carols played and were sung and got everyone in the spirit of the season. Those times are fondly etched in my memory still today.

After my daddy passed away in 1998, I started painting at least one Christmas painting every year and sometimes several. My collection has grown over the years and I enjoy sharing them with you.




Nearly twenty years later my muse was not to be contained so I embraced it and have a new series called “Just Elfin’ Around”. I hope my paintings bring happiness to you and put a little wonder back in the season.




                                                                                                               ---Gloria a Dios




                                                                                         


"The Fiddler" was the first in the series created in 2013 when Don and I  lived in Houston for a few months while he received treatments.

Magic Fiddle by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Nothing like waiting until the 11th hour to do my Christmas painting. I thought that I wasn't going to get around to doing my annual Christmas painting this year. The closer it got to Christmas I felt compelled to get it done! I just could not let a year go by without it...it wouldn't seem like Christmas!

My Daddy played the fiddle and lots of other instruments. This little Christmas elf is a tribute to him as he always kept the spirit of Christmas well. 

I hope my watercolor painting made your day a little brighter and brought a smile to your face. I wish you a joyous Christmas season filled with family, friends, music, love and laughter! Merry Christmas!