Sugar Skulls, Mixed Media, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Leada Wood, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage

"Sugar Skulls" ©Leada Wood 2015

 These are post cards that I made for IHannas 2015 Postcard Swap. Artist from all over the world are creating little works of art and sending them in the mail. It is so exciting to get 10 little works of art in the mail for your very own! I don't know about you but bills and junk mail are just no comparison to ART MAIL!

I started my backgrounds using my Gelli plate. As you can see my painting board underneath is getting nearly ready to be framed...just a few more layers of paint!

This stamp I carved started the whole Sugar Skull series as I explored various ways to make them fun and festive.

This is what one looked like with the Gelli background and the sugar skull stamped with white paint, before all the glitter and fun began.

Here in Texas there is a large number of Hispanic people and they have a tradition from October 31st to November 2nd to honor their loved ones who have passed over. They call it "Dia de Los Muertos" or Day Of The Dead, to others it is called All Souls Day or All Saints Day. It is really a celebration of life and the ancestors who have preceded us. The real celebrating is in Mexico where they have fiestas and parties and can spend a months salary on the festivities. 

Here he is "King Of The Sugar Skulls" in his final festive finery! 

I thought since the postcard swap was during this time of year, it would be fun to share the spirit of life celebration with my new friends. I sure hope they like their Sugar Skulls!

Thanks Hanna for hosting another wonderful exchange! Be sure to check out her blog and look at all the amazing cards. Www.iHanna.nu

Kody's Sugar Skull, by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Kody's Sugar Skull ©Leada Wood

Can you believe it??? Already August! Summer is rushing by and I have been busy organizing and creating. I wish I could clone myself so that I could have a little help! You ever have that feeling? There is so much I want to do! I feel as if I am always racing the clock trying to get more out of each and every day. Life is good... And full... So many blessings to count! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my work and feel very lucky to be able to do what I do.

In case you are wondering about these photos...this was a commission from a very special young man. Kody is my grandson and he will be going to his first year of college this fall. I can't believe that either! He asked me to do a sugar skull for his apartment. Never heard of that? Neither had I so I started googling sugar skulls. Very interesting...it has to do with the day of the dead in Hispanic culture. I don't know if you realize without seeing this in person how much painting I did on this bad boy! It has taken several weeks to paint. I guess you could say I paint on anything! Any how it was a fun challenge and there is nothing I had rather do that create for those I love. I hope he will think of his Nana... call me often and come see me when he comes home. I love you Kody Don!