Art Journaling, Mixed Media by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Art Journaling is so freeing and relaxing and gives me a place to play and try out new ideas. I am rather a newbie at it and still want to be in control somewhat. Maybe that is like everything else...it comes with practice. 

These pieces are mixed media...that means I used a lot of my art supplies I haven't used in a while. They were totally different in the beginning. I collaged paper onto the scrap mat boards I had lying around the studio then slathered paint until I enjoyed the colors. I used stamps,stencils with a little water soluble pencils, soft pastels, pens and glitter thrown in for good measure.

I enjoy the soft colors and the dream like quality of these pieces. I am working in a series of ten front and back so that will make a nice little journal when bound...if I can bear to poke holes in them!

"Dream" copyright 2015 Leada Wood

"Shine On" copyright 2015 Leada Wood

"Believe" copyright 2015 Leada Wood

Joy! by Leada Wood

Joy! by Leada Wood©

Another day another journal! I keep a stash of hand painted papers on hand so that when I feel like doing a collage my papers are ready to go. When I don't have a painting going and don't want to start one...I break out the papers and start painting and stamping on them. This releases my creativity and after a bit I am ready to go on to the next painting, or journal.


The colors on this journal were so bright and cheerful that I had to paint "Joy" on top. If you haven't tried collage yet,you really should! It is so relaxing layering all the beautiful colors and designs to create something new. There isn't a wrong way...you just keep layering until it pleases you...or as Gerald Brommer says "until you can't pick it up!"

Sea Shells by the Seashore by Leada Wood©

Sea Shells by the Seashore by Leada Wood©

This is for Inspiration Avenue's weekly challenge. I painted it in my journal so it is pretty loose. I enjoy putting interesting quotes that I want to remember with my journal paintings. I also write them inside the front and back cover of the book. I like to use a sketchbook with paper strong enough to take whatever medium I may want to work with. I also like having a hardback cover so I can make the outside of the book interesting as well. I usually start with a coat of gesso and them start adding layers until it pleases me. I am trying to do more journaling as it is fun to look back at later and see what you were up to. It is also very good therapy!

Dreams Of Mine

"Dreams Of Mine" by Leada Wood (C) 2010 Mixed Media
All Rights Reserved


I created this piece on a hardcover sketch book to take to one of my art club's Christmas party. We always have an art exchange and this year I decided to do my art on something they can enjoy the whole year though, as an art journal or sketchbook. I started the process by putting gesso on the cover then I wrote some inspirational words and phrases with sharpie. I then added texture with gel medium and started applying pearlescent acrylic paints. After the painting was done I attached some silver wings and a little moon face figure I made out of clay, a little dragon fly and the letters soar. I then used inktense pencil to do the shading.
 I hope my friend likes the gift I made for her!