Joyful, Joyful, by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

This is the painting I was working on when my retina tore loose in my eye. It was very emotional working on it again and finishing it.  I am so thankful that I am able to work and post on my blog again. We take so much for granted! 

 This painting is filled with symbolism and is very special to me. I have decided to keep this painting in my collection but reproductions are available. 

Butterflies represent freedom, growth, change and rebirth. The colors of the butterflies are also significant...yellow represents wisdom and black creativity.

The cocoon represents incubating, protecting creative ideas, needed withdrawal during times of transition. In the Christian religion, the metamorphosis a butterfly undergoes is symbolic of the spiritual evolution all Christians go through. In ancient mythology, the butterfly stands for wisdom and everlasting knowledge.

 
In ancient Greek the word for butterfly is "Psyche", which means soul. We are all small and appear to be the same (like the Caterpillar) , but as we grow older our true beauty shows ( like the butterfly). Like a butterfly, we are all different, and beautiful in our own way. 

Doves are symbols for love, hope, a symbol of divinity, as it is the representation of the Christ, unity, peace and as a symbol of creation. The color white projects purity and  innocence, freshness, cleanliness. It is the color of the awakened Spirit, the light of perfection, the Divine Light.

Gold symbolizes good health...relaxation...enjoyment of life. Red symbolizes life and vitality.

I will be on the Art Trail in Lubbock Texas on February 1st at Varsity Book Store, from 6-9. Please stop by and visit and see some of my new work. Thanks for stopping by!

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!

Who Knows Where The Time Goes? by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Who Knows Where The Time Goes by Leada Wood©


Happy 2013!  Have you made your resolutions? I decided on a few but I also decided on a word for the year...VISION! It holds even a more  special  meaning for me this year. Webster's defines it  to investigate, study, to become familiar with by experimenting, to travel over new territory for adventure or discovery, to examine, to see.

I hope you have a vision for the new year and enjoy the journey!

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life. - Find the good in all situations
A ttitude is just as important as ability.- Keep your attitude positive
P assion find yours this year! - Do what you love and you will never work
P ositive thoughts make everything easier.- Stay focused and stay positive
Y ou are unique, with special gifts, use them. - Never forget you have talent

N ew beginnings with a new year.
E nthusiasm a true secret of success.
W ishes may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by to quickly, enjoy them.- Wisdom from your elders, listen
E nergy may you have lots of it. - Take care of yourself
A ppreciation of life, don't take it for granted. - Live each day
R elax take the time to relax in this coming year.- Keep a balance in your life

Exaggerated Verticals by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

 

Aah, It was so nice to go to the studio today and create! After all the hustle and bustle of the holidays... the family fun and the gathering of the clan.  It was sublime to slow down and get back into the right side of my brain and lose myself in Leada land!

 

 

I decided I wanted to try some exaggerated verticals. I kind of liked the colors and movement in this painting and decided I wanted to explore it further so I used it as my inspiration and starting point. I cut up a half sheet of watercolor paper in 5 x22 inches and began.

This is my beginning...I used some old paintings and cut up pieces and collaged them onto the paper. I also used some transparencies I had created with my stamps. I applied them in a grid format and painted the bottom with various blues to give a nice contrast to the warm colors of the collage. Its hard to see the variation of the blues because of the low resolution of the photo.

I decided it wasn't quiet busy enough to my liking so I added more transparencies to give them rhythm and movement. I wanted your eye to travel from one piece to the next and yet I wanted each painting to stand alone.

 

 

This is the final version of the one on the left. I think I reached my goal of it being interesting on its own and it has a nice lively rhythm to it.

This is the middle painting. I think they almost have an Asian feel to them. Maybe it is the color combo I chose.

This is the right painting. I may mount these on black matt board to really make them pop. I am not sure yet...really enjoy the long, narrow format so may just frame them that way.

This is the final version side by side...dirty table and all! I think they could be hung in any direction and be cohesive...or alone...but I really like them more as a grouping don't you? That is the nice thing about a triptych and abstract art they are very versatile and you can change them up.

This painting is available!

Glory To God by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Glory To God by Leada Wood ©

I shall attend to my little errands of love early this year,
So that the brief days before Christmas my be unhampered and clear
Of the fever of hurry. The breathless rushing that I have known in the past shall not possess me. I shall be calm in my soul and ready at last...
I shall have leisure-I shall go out alone from my roof and my door;
I shall not miss the silver silence of stars as I have before;
And oh, perhaps-if I stand there very still and very long,
I shall hear what the clamor of living has kept from me-
The angel's song.
                                                                                                           -Grace Noll Crowell

May you have peace in your heart this Christmas so that you too can hear the angel's singing.

Joy to the world the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King; Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, and heav'n and nature sing; And heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing.

                                                          MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Jolly Ole St Nick by Leada Wood, Artist of Texas

Jolly Ole St Nick by Leada Wood ©

Twas the night before Christmas and all through our house...the children are bouncing and boisterous and storming the house! Christmas Eve is BIG FUN at our home. The clan gathers and makes jolly holiday cheer. There are 24 of us, 13 are children! We are so blessed!

This is my painting that my Christmas cards were  made from this year. It is a watercolor, 15x22 on rag paper. I had just finished, framed and delivered it to the bank for exhibition when my retina tore in my eye! I also had finished my last commission for the season. I am so thankful that my sight has been restored and I can continue to enjoy the beautiful world around me.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for following my creative journey. I love reading your comments and hearing from you!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Angel by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Christmas Angel by Leada Wood©


Only two more days until Christmas day! The excitment is building...can you feel it in the air?
My wish for you is joy and peace this Christmas and the coming New Year .

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
                                                                                          Luke 2:4

 

Nutty Trio by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

NUTTY TRIO BY LEADA WOOD©


I love Christmas! Only a few more days! Ah but it only comes once a year. I can't get enough of that Holiday cheer! Family gatherings...fun with friends...the decorations...the lights...the music...the excitement in the air! I especially love  seeing the wonder and joy in the children's eyes. Making Christmas cookies or candy with my grand kids...keeping secrets...Christmas crafts. I guess you can see I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I wish that we could keep that feeling all though the year.
 
Every year I create a special painting to be used as my Christmas card. I collect Nutcrackers and the trio above is from my collection.  The Nutty Trio is from a Christmas past but I thought you might enjoy seeing them. I will be posting others along the way. It is a watercolor 15x22 on Arches paper. 

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year"
                                                                                                                   Charles Dickens
 

The Guardian by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

THE GUARDIAN BY LEADA WOOD©

In view of the horrific shootings last week I thought it would be timely to pause and remember that God is always near and in control ...even in the mist of evil.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7

God's peace is different from the world's peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our  citizenship in Christ's kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over evil. Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety.

I hope peace will prevail in your hearts this Christmas season. Love your family and friends like there is no tomorrow, hold them near and dear. The past is gone...the future is uncertain... Today is a gift..use your time wisely.