"Happy Little Leaves # 21" (2017) by MaryLea Harris in Bend, OR.

Original mixed media acrylic on canvas with painted edges.
12" x 12" framed with natural wood floating frame and wire, ready to hang.
Signed by artist on the back.

My Happy Little Leaves series is meant to be whimsical and colorful. I'm exploring color, texture, and line. I'm focusing on the interplay of "positive" and "negative" space as I reflect on my own positive and negative growth experiences from the past few years. The cracks are how the light gets in. I'm using these trees as a form of art therapy to explore living more simply while celebrating nature, color, texture, and line. I want the viewer to feel happy and playful. I want them to be in the moment and feel joy. Life is short and meant to be celebrated. The title is a small tribute to Bob Ross and his Happy Little Trees he would add to his landscapes, I thought his paintings were magical when I was a little girl.