Merry Christmas, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

The big day is finally here...the one we have been preparing for all month. The day that sets little ones hearts a flutter and makes their eyes shine bright! I wish you the magic of Christmas...may your heart always hold the magic it brings...the wonder...the excitement and the joy. I hope you are surrounded by those you love and hold dear. Christmas blessings.

Magic Fiddle by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Nothing like waiting until the 11th hour to do my Christmas painting. I thought that I wasn't going to get around to doing my annual Christmas painting this year. The closer it got to Christmas I felt compelled to get it done! I just could not let a year go by without it...it wouldn't seem like Christmas!

My Daddy played the fiddle and lots of other instruments. This little Christmas elf is a tribute to him as he always kept the spirit of Christmas well. 

I hope my watercolor painting made your day a little brighter and brought a smile to your face. I wish you a joyous Christmas season filled with family, friends, music, love and laughter! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Amaryllis by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

It has been such fun watching this bulb burst forth with blooms this Christmas season. We are up to five blooms with at least three more unfurling. I know I am easily entertained! With the grey days of winter it has brought the hope of spring and rebirth. May you have a blessed Christmas filled with love and cheer!

On The Wings Of Angels, by Leada Wood

He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  Psalm 91:4

May you feel His presence this joyous Christmas season! Share the joy and love!

Nutty trio, by Leada Wood

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Hope yours is merry and bright!

The Messenger, by Leada Wood

I hope your Christmas season is full of joy!  Take time to be still and hear the angels sing!

Technique Tuesday, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Well as they say one thing leads to another. If you saw my last post you noticed I had something new...a slide show but no words. I should have added the post before the slide show as I could not try as I might, make the post after the slide show, we learn as we go. Soooo...I decided to add a Technique Tuesday and more photos of my Fun Friday!

 

Citrasol concentrate is a very fun process...be for warned do it with all the windows open! My studio reeks of oranges and not in a good way but a nauseating way. I removed all the pages and plastic on Saturday and hopefully it will be gone when I return.

 

Back to the process...you will need National Geographics, Citrasol concentrate, sponge brush and spritzer bottle. I also lined my tables with white trash bags. There are all kind of tutorials on utube regarding this technique, so check them out! I also wore gloves as it is kind of messy. I spritzed some pages and painted others then closed the book and waited 20 minutes. Sometimes there is magic and sometimes there is not! You can also learn to manipulate the process and it really is all in the timing and doing. So what are you waiting for get out those old magazines and give it a try! Make some magic of your own.

 

 

 

 

You maybe wondering what one does with these pages now??? That is still in the works and I will post the results ...until then, thanks for stopping by!

All images and content of this blog are copyrighted by Leada Wood 2013

Fun Fridays!!! by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

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Caution! Artist At Play! by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

 

 

 

Caution! Artist At Play!  I have been having fun at Studio 20 this week. I am finally getting to try out all the surface treatments that I have been reading about. The one above is tar gel...don't know what I will do with it yet but it is exciting stuff and it has lots of possibilities!

 

 

 

 This is some of the substrates or beginnings of my new series that have a long way to go before completion.  I have learned that when working with mixed media and abstracts it is best to work on multiple paintings or a series. I use watercolor paper and my favorite colors and start painting. It takes many, many layers before they are done.

 

 

This is fiber paper with wonderful things embedded into them. You can use them as they are or cut them into shapes...the sky's the limit when it comes to mixed media! It's all about the DRAMA!

Here are a few more substrates that have a few more layers. They have been stamped, scribed into, gessoed, collaged, stenciled, spritzed with alcohol, salted and painted on...still a long way to go. Maybe you are wondering...what the heck! Well...mixed media is all about the process...the journey...the excitement of discovery. That is what gets my juices going...ahhh the artist's life is a good life and it's my life.

Summer Time by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Summer Time and the living is easy. I have been enjoying my little piece of paradise here in Texas. The weather has been really hot! I get out early or late and hang out under the air conditioning the rest of the day.

 

After a painting marathon to get ready for exhibitions and shows things finally wound down a little the end of June.  I decided it was time to relax and enjoy the beauty surrounding me before I have to get ready for all the exhibitions and shows coming up this fall. Recharge my batteries... Life is good!

 

 

Although it is not tropical where I live, it is hot enough to grow tropical flowers. It would not be summer at our house without Hibiscus. I plant them in every hue in single and double varieties. These beauties happened to be blooming today. I had already picked the red and orange double ones to put in a vase. The funny thing about hibiscus is they are proficient bloomers but the flowers fade after a day. I have painted many  Hibiscus portraits.

 Summer time blues...love those Plumbago! Another plant that thrives in the hot Texas sun.

Here is my little kitchen garden by my door, easy access for cooking! I have basil, marjoram, oregano and sage. I keep my rosemary and lavenders in raised beds as they grow quite large. I love to pick fresh tomatoes spritz them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and sprinkle fresh cut basil on top. It just doesn't get much better than that!

 

I love zinnias! These perky pink beauties were blooming today. I always think of my grandmother's  garden whenever I see moonflowers or zinnias. She had oodles of both...guess that is where my mama and I got our love of flowers from. I enjoy having plants from my loved ones gardens...it keeps a little of them close to me, especially after they are gone. Very comforting.

I plant geraniums every year as well. They come in every color but I always seem to like the red the best. I guess that is because I know my little hummingbirds enjoy red flowers and I love my little hummers!

The crepe myrtle is the best! They bloom profusely from June until late August. One of the best shrubs or trees for our area.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour of my little piece of paradise and will come back to see me again!