"Gardens Of The Sun" Contemporary Abstract Painting by Texas Artist Leada Wood



"Gardens Of The Sun" by Leada Wood ©

I just completed a workshop in Granbury with artist Carolyn Riegelman. There were about 20 artists creating abstract paintings...putting layer upon layer of paint on the canvas. There were so many wonderful and exciting paintings created last week, any gallery would have had a fantastic show!
 I have heard so many people say of abstract painting, "Oh my 3 year old could do that". Well I am here to say there is more to it than meets the eye! No visual references only intuitive painting. I enjoy the texture and playing around with color and shapes...trying to bring my vision into reality. No it is NOT easy painting Abstracts and I think if you have doubts you should give it a try!
This painting is 24X24 on gallery wrapped canvas.

Red Rising by Leada Wood©

Red Rising by Leada Wood ©

This is my January challenge for Creative Catalyst. This month the challenge was Bold. I love experimental painting...it takes me places and oh what a ride! When you are one with the painting and  it is speaking to you...life is good!  I love textures, layers, pushing and pulling with the paint until you feel you have arrived at the end. 
Red Rising was done on illustration board and is 16x20. I used acrylic gels and stamped and scratched into that. Then I used charcoal and drew into my painting and began layering paint scratching into the wet paint with my paint brush handle to allow some of the previous colors to show through. It's always fun to sling a little paint along the way and splatter it a bit..so loosen up you can always add another layer! Be CREATIVE and let your inner artist child PLAY!