Happy Birds, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Go Confidently in the direction of your dreams and Live the life you imagined. --Thoreau

Happy Bird Series, ©2017 Leada Wood, mixed media, iHannas 2017 fall postcard swap



Happy Birds by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you. If your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme. When you wish upon a star as dreamers do, fate is kind." -Jiminy Cricket


Happy Birds series, mixed media, #2017 Leada Wood, iHanna 2017 fall postcard swap

Happy Birds by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

The Autumn postcard exchange is here! When iHanna hosts a swap it is a fun event indeed. I decided to do a series of happy birds along with uplifting sayings...after all there is enough sadness in our world and it is my duty as an artist to entertain you. I hope you enjoy my little birds as much as I delight in creating them. Happy fall y'all!

A Different View, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"A Different View"  ©2017 Leada Wood

                                                                   

What to do with those paint blobs that dry and stack up on your palette...turn them into paintings of course! This cocky little rooster came to life as I began adding layers of dried acrylic skins."A Different View" was a fun experiment in my recent workshop with Bob Burridge. Thanks to Anna Lee and Jane for the skins as I had already used my extra paint on paper. There was an orange underpainting on the paper to begin and I used a greyish background to make my little feathered friend pop. What a fun and educational week...such a wonderful group of artists and friends!

"The Flutist" Watercolor, Figure Painting, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist""

"The Flutist" ©2016 Leada Wood

I couldn't let the year end without sharing my gnome that I painted in December. He is a friend of another musician that I painted a few years ago. 

"The Fiddler" © 2013 Leada Wood

I hope your year has been merry and bright and wishing you an even brighter New Year, full of health, happiness, peace and joy! Thank you for reading my blog!



Best Of Show, by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

Today was the West Texas Art Guild's annual Regional Big Country art show and I was thrilled beyond measure when I found out I won Best of Show. 

The painting Sunflower 2 is a batik on Unryu paper which is a little bit thicker than tissue paper. I draw the subject on the paper with sharpie pen and then save the parts I want to be light or white with wax. Proceeding on with either watercolor or liquid acrylics I complete the painting and coat the entire painting with wax, let it dry and crumple it up in a ball. If the painting survives this I flatten it and push paint down into the crevices. Then it is wax off and I remove the wax. It is quite an involved process and a risky technique...but isn't that what making art is all about...taking chances?

THREE BALLERINAS BY LEADA WOOD, TEXAS ARTIST

THREE BALLERINAS BY LEADA WOOD©
DO NOT COPY!

I chose Edgar Degas for my inspiration to paint my little ballerinas for the Messin' With The Masters Show at the Heritage Museum.

 Ballet was Degas favorite subject and he is recognized for his paintings of dance. He was a prolific painter and more than half of his works depict dancers.

He was one of the founders of Impressionism but he preferred to be called an independent. He was a classical painter of modern life.

His bold brush strokes, vivid expressive color and portrayal of light and movement imparted a sense of movement and frozen moments in time.

 Degas always painted indoors unlike most other Impressionists. He experimented constantly with materials and methods whose novelty would match his vision of modern life.

 Degas would make a drawing and then take tracing paper and pencil and trace over the drawing and move the figures around. He used this method to try out different compositions and to form new ideas for other works of art. I use these methods in my art as well.

 The thing that drew me to Degas was the light and movement of his work. I tried to express this in my painting of "Dance To The Music".  Degas often painted with pastels. I decided to use a palette knife to try to emulate the texture that the pastels make.

 My favorite quote of Degas: “Art is NOT what you see, but what you make others see."

Thanks for dropping by!

DREAMING by LEADA WOOD, TEXAS ARTIST

DREAMING BY LEADA WOOD©
DO NOT COPY!

 I chose Matisse  because I too enjoy experimenting with a variety of styles and employing new techniques to create my own pictorial language.

Henri Matisse was one of the most influential artists of the Twentieth century whose stylistic innovations altered the course of Modern Art and spanned 6.5 decades.

 Matisse used lots of designs and an abstract quality and was not a slave to photo realism. I use lots of patterns, textures and work abstractly to portray my version of realism. We both enjoy pure colour!

 Late in life while recovering from surgery Henri began his scissor art and it became his favored medium until the end of his life and was the dominant medium of his expression.

I love to make collage art and it is my favorite medium...I only hope I do Henri justice! I think Henri and I had a lot in common both in art and the way we look at life. We both want to paint what is serene, soothing, and a calming influence on the mind. No depressing or troubling subject matter for us. We both love texture, pattern, pure color, and to work expressively.

 Here are two of my favorite Matisse quotes:

"He who loves flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free and nothing holds him back."

 "There are always flowers for those who want to see them."

I hope you enjoy my interpretations of Henri Matisse. It was very inspirational looking at all the wonderful art he created during his long career and learning about his life. What a pleasure it was to visualize two very different works and bring them into being for this exhibition.

This painting was created for the Messin' With The Masters Show at the Heritage Museum. It is 16x20 collage with handpainted paper on canvas.

Thanks for stopping by!

Vincent's Poppies by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Vincent's Poppies by Leada Wood©
DO NOT COPY!

I think all artists are drawn to nature and beautiful flowers. Especially sunflowers and poppies...such vivid happy colors they possess. Georgia O’ Keefe and Vincent Van Gogh were my favorite painters of flowers. They both painted Poppies, rich red poppies. I too have always loved to paint poppies...in every hue. I have painted their portraits large like O’Keefe and I have painted them in still lives like Van Gogh, but always in my own style throughout my career.

For the Messin' with the Masters show I decided to paint my own rendition of poppies with Van Gogh as my inspiration. He has inspired so many artists throughout the years. Such a pity he knew no fame and sold only one painting during his brief lifetime. A great artist and a prolific painter, I felt compelled to pay homage to him.

I love Vincent's vibrant red poppy paintings...how happy they make me as i look at them. I hope they brought him great joy painting them. Maybe that is why he did so many paintings...they were his only joy in life.

His letters to his brother Theo were somber and sad. I find comfort thinking that his art brought him great happiness. I know his art has brought pleasure to generations of people who have seen his works.

I too hope that my art brings you pleasure and brightens your day.

The Red Poppies and Butterflies by Van Gogh had an Oriental feeling to me so I decided to use a Chinese newspaper for the calligraphic under layer. Then I started layering Glazes of color to give a golden glow to background yet allowing the calligraphy to remain visible. I used some of my own Poppy photos for the drawing.

 I didn't want to slavishly copy his work but to interpret it with my style. I think I successfully gave it a contemporary look yet paid homage to the master Van Gogh.

This is another one of my paintings for the Messin With The Masters Show. It is 24x30, acrylic on canvas.

Thanks for stopping by!

O HENRY! by LEADA WOOD, TEXAS ARTIST

O HENRY! BY LEADA WOOD©
DO NOT COPY!

O Henry ! is one of my paintings I have completed for the Messin' With The Masters Show. It will open May 24th with a reception for the Caboose Watercolor Society at the Heritage Museum from 5-7.

I chose Henri Matisse as one of my masters. Matisse loved goldfish. He said "I wouldn't mind turning into a vermillion goldfish." Matisse also used rich color and a limited palette with lots of design in his work. The object was to try and emulate their style in our own interpretation.

I had fun trying to come up with ideas for my paintings and then attempting to capture what I liked about it was quite a challenge. I will be posting the other three later, be sure to check my last post as it was one that I painted in Mary Cassatt's style.

Thanks for checking in!

Fun In The Sun by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

 

FUN IN THE SUN by Leada Wood Copyrighted 2013
DO NOT COPY!
www.leadawood.com/blog  or  www.leadawood.com

 

 

I love to go to the beach! Texas has 600 miles of shoreline so there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Our family favorite for years has been Port A and we try to get there 3 or 4 times a year. We would go more often but it is an 8 hour drive from where we live. Before we discovered Port A we enjoyed going to Crystal Beach.

When we are at the beach I enjoy watching the brown pelicans fly up and down the shoreline. They were nearly extinct at one time but are back in great numbers. We also swim, play in the sand, hunt sea shells, go crabbing, fishing and eat lots of fresh shrimp! I also take lots of pictures of everyone and make mental notes of what would make a good painting. We also find plenty of time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the splashing waves and screech of the sea gulls. It seems the sea breeze has a way of blowing all stress away and keeping you on island time.

I am very thankful for the good times I have had with my family at the beach having fun in the sun!

Texas Traditions by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

Texas Traditions Copyrighted 2013 by Leada Wood All Rights Reserved
DO NOT COPY!

I love to see our state flag waving in the breeze...red, white and blue with a lone star. It is one of the most recognized flags of any state flag in the United States,and it has been flying over Texas for well over 175 years.

 Each color in the flag has special meaning, the white stands for purity, the blue stands for loyalty and the red stands for bravery. The lone star has five points and they represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and tolerance. The lone star represents All of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State and Country. The lone star is seen as a symbol of Texas' independent spirit and gave us the nickname "The Lone Star State.

Boots are also a Texas tradition and have been worn by cowboys since the 1800's. Cowboy boots refer to a specific style of riding boot that have a slanted heel to keep the foot in the stirrup and a tall top to protect their lower leg while riding a horse.

Our family has been a part of the Texas tradition by selling cowboy boots for over 40 years. We don't just sell cowboys boots though...now they are for everyone! They come in a variey styles, colors, and leathers...some very exotic. I am proud to be a part of the Texas tradition. I guess that is why I enjoy painting cowboys and boots.

Slim, Shorty And Lulu Gone Wild by Leada Wood Contemporary Texas Artist

Slim, Shorty And Lulu Gone Wild -Copyright Leada Wood 2013

Slim, Shorty and Lulu gone wild came about after a wonderful family outing with the Kids and a trip to the circus. I had not been to a circus in ever so long...wasn't sure they still existed! Oh what a grand time we had and wonderful ideas began spinning around in my head. I love to paint my goonie birds but have not done so for a long time. The sparks began to fly and away I went to my drawing board and started this adventure. As you can see I became a little carried away and went over to the wild side! It was a fun ride while it lasted.

 This is a close up of  Shorty ... a colorful little bird!

This is Slim...that bird is up to something! I can see it in his eye! Maybe he wonders why his pal Shorty is standing so close to his gal Lulu?

And this is Slim and Lulu...as you can see birds of a feather flock together and Slim has nothing to worry about! I can see that Lulu only has eyes for Slim. I hope you have enjoyed my little bird brained tale...I think I see more adventures of Slim, Shorty and Lulu in my future.

 This painting is 16x20 transparent  watercolor on canvas and is available. Please contact me at www.leadawood.com

Welcome Spring! by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

Okay! It is officially Spring! I thought I would share some beautiful photos of the conservatory at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. Every season their gardeners create exceptional works of art in their garden for everyone to enjoy. This season was exceptional. Bootman and I just got back from market.  We have never stayed here but always make a trip to see the conservatory and eat their buffet. A feast for the eyes and the tummy!

 

 

 







The mama swan and her baby by waterfall and bridge with purple tulips along the edge...so sweet!

 
The pink striped tulips glowing in the sunshine were extraordinary and the fragrance was heavenly.















Of course they had to have some dutch shoes since that is where all our tulips come from.

I have never seen orange tulips but they were gorgeous! My tulips are just coming up not a blossom in sight. I have red and purple but would love some orange beauties!

The cute dutch windmill and giant tulips in the pond was a favorite picture spot among the tourists.

 

 Red and pink tulips vibrating against violet hychinths.

More cute dutch shoes among the pink tulips and butterflies. 

Icelandic poppies were abounding in every hue.

 

 

There was a green house full of butterflies enjoying their fruit offerings and the warm sunshine. I hope this post brightens your day especially if spring has not arrived where you are...it's coming! Happy Spring!

MOON FLOWERS BY LEADA WOOD, ARTIST OF TEXAS

MOON FLOWERS BY LEADA WOOD©

This one has been a long time in the finishing stage...thought it was done and then did a lot more to it and finally I think it is done! 

My mom and grandmother always had moon flowers, ever since I can remember. They only bloom at night and sometimes when it is a cloudy morning they  stay in bloom. I don't know why I have never planted them, maybe it is because I know they are poisonous and there are too many little flower pickers around our place. I think I may consider planting them at a distance where the flower pickers or llamas can't get to them. I am ready for spring!

This painting is 22x28 transparent watercolor and is available.

It's A Texas Thang' by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

It's A Texas Thang' by Leada Wood©

 Boots, boots, boots! I really like to paint boots! I have been married to Bootman for 41 years and boots run in our blood. We sell boots... we wear boots...and I paint boots.  I try to make each painting a little different but love those spurs and a beat up pair of REAL COWBOY BOOTS. The older they are the more personality they have. I am glad I live in West Texas where there are still  real cowboys. I see them everyday...although they are getting fewer and farther between.

Close up and personal with this pair. Just like people, the older they are the more wrinkles they get.

Spurs are very personal to a cowboy. They come in all sizes...shapes...and prices. Some handmade spurs are very expensive. I guess you could say there are a cowboy's jewelry. Yes that rowel applied to a horses flank does make him go faster...but they do not hurt the horse...just a gentle reminder of who the boss is.

Waiting Game by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

Waiting Game by Leada Wood©

This is a 15x22 transparent watercolor on archival paper and is available.

Doesn't it seem like we spend a lot of time waiting? Waiting in line... waiting our turn... waiting on people... waiting for our ship to come in...waiting.
Funny, wait is a verb yet it means to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens. To be available or in readiness  to postpone or delay something, to look forward to eagerly, a period of waiting, pause, interval or delay. Language is a strange thing.

I hope whatever you are waiting for is worth the wait!

The Times Of Your Life by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

The Times Of Your Life by Leada Wood©




I thought this would be a good painting to post today as it is a celebration of life and love. There are messages all though the painting. This painting is sold and will live in Houston with a very nice couple. It is a 12x12 mixed media on canvas.

You never know what the day will bring...sometimes good...sometimes exciting...sometimes sad and sometimes bad! November 30th started out quiet ordinary for me, I was taking care of business in my studio, framing paintings getting them ready for delivery. I went to lunch with Bootman and our grandson Kyler and WHAM! I began seeing blood leaking into my eye, panic stricken yet not wanting to upset everyone we left the restaurant and headed for the nearest retina specialist 76 miles away.  The doctor did an emergency laser tack and told me to go home and wait for the blood to leave my eye and not to do anything. I went back 5 days later still not seeing out of my right eye. Instead of another simple laser surgery I had to go back for the real eye surgery. On Friday December 7th I had surgery on my retina to restore my sight and here I am 4 days later able to blog about it!

 Friends this is my Christmas Miracle! My sight restored! Amazing! My eyes are still a little weak and I cannot do things for long at a time but I CAN SEE! What a wonderful gift our eyesight is, please don't take things for granted...you are a walking, talking, breathing miracle!

 May God bless you and please remember to be grateful and thank Him for His blessings every day.