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.

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.

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood ©

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood©

This is the finished painting.  I gave it to boot man for his birthday and he loved it!
 I am so glad he did......

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood ©

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood©

I have added textured stars on the left and horseshoes and stars on the right. I have also used liquid acrylic inks and liquid acrylics to start painting on the boots. The brown paper collage underneath the boots has created nice wrinkles and texture to make the boots look more authentic and rustic. It is beginning to take shape but there is still a ways to go...stay tuned!

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood ©

Most Walked About Boots In Texas by Leada Wood○

This was a gift for my sweetie's birthday. It is on canvas with an airplane IFR sectional map collaged on the canvas. I then drew a pair of cowboy boots complete with spurs on top of the map. I then collaged brown paper on the boots to give texture and make them look more like leather. Now what to do....stay tuned as I know I will be adding more!

Ranch Dressin' by Leada Wood

Ranch Dressin' by Leada Wood ©

I was so excited and honored today when I opened our weekly newspaper and the New Commers Guide fell out and my painting made the cover! The painting was a 22x28 watercolor a client had commissioned for her husband for their 25th anniversary. She brought all the items to my studio and I sat up a still life and painted from it. You just never know what the day will bring!
Art is personal and makes a wonderful gift, as well as an heirloom. I love doing commissions and would be delighted to do one for you!

Boot Scootin Boogie

Boot Scootin Boogie by Leada Wood
watercolor (c) 2010 All Rights Reserved

This is a watercolor mixed media 16X20 on Illustration board.  These boots have been around and yet they still have lots of life left.  Maybe with a little polish they will be ready for  Saturday night at their owners favorite place to dance.

Ranch Dressin

Ranch Dressin by Leada Wood (c) 2010 All Rights Reserved

Pursing a passion is work! It takes time and energy and being willing to take on more than you can handle. It is in the simplest of terms a job. A job but non the less I know I am truly blessed to be able to work at a job I love! A lady asked me to do this commission as a surprise for her husband on their 25th wedding anniversay. How great is that to share in the joys of anothers life!   Sold!