Leslie was born in France but grew up and spent most of her life in London, Ont. After attending York University and University of Western Ontario, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and spent the next 30 years raising a family and working in photography. In 2004, she and her husband moved to rural Qualicum Beach, B.C. where she resumed painting full time as well as teach and host various workshops. She is a senior signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and a juried member of the Society of Canadian Artists.
ARTISTS STATEMENT
The sharp focus of hyperrealism balanced by the lack of it….. My paintings combine both realism and intuitive elements. It is my intention to record the idea and emotion but not be a slave to literal reproduction. There is no pretense at photo realism – my painting surface will not allow for that as it is purposely bumpy and scratched. This adds to the depth and mystery of my work. The viewer is drawn to the 3D aspect of my paintings but the 2D elements are also apparent. It’s a back and forth between the illusion and the reality. I walk a line between opposites – realism & abstract – rough and smooth – dark & light –planned and spontaneous. Combined with that, my dramatic use of light creates drama and a sense of great depth.
ACADEMIC & ARTISTIC STUDIES
- Studied at York University, Toronto, Ont. in the Fine Arts program
- Received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario
- Art Gallery of London, Ontario
Professional Affiliations
- Active member in the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA)
- Senior Signature Status (SFCA) with the Federation of Canadian Artists
- FCA, past President, Treasurer and active member Federation of Canadian Artists
Selected Exhibitions and Award
- 2019 Sidney Fine Art Society Juried show – Honourable mention
- 2019 Sooke Annual Juried Fine Art Show
- 2019 POTE International Juried Show, Honourable Mention
- 2018 Sidney Fine Art Society annual juried show – Juror’s Choice
- 2018 Sooke Annual Juried Fine Art Show, Honourable Mention
- 2018 POTE Internation Juried Show, Vancouver – OPUS AWARD
- 2018 Ladysmith Biennial Juried Art Show – Best Mixed Media Award
- 2017 AIRS (Annual International Representational Show) – Best Still Life Award
- 2017 Sooke Annual Juried Fine Art Show, Award of Excellence
- 2017 The Old School House gallery, Canada 150 Juried show, 3rd Place
- 2016 Sidney Fine Art Society juried show – Honourable Mention
- 2016 Ladysmith Biennial Juried Art Show – Best Painting (2D)
- 2015 Sidney Fine Art Society Juried Show – Honourable Mention
- 2015 FCA Success Show
- 2015 Sooke Annual Juried Art Show
- 2015 National Crossing Boundaries Internation show – Vancouver
- 2015 FCA Vancouver Works on Paper – 2nd Place
- 2014 Sidney Fine Art Society Annual juried show – JURORS CHOICE
- 2014 FCA Fall Juried Show – 1ST PLACE
- 2014 Painting on the Edge (POTE) International Juried Show, Vancouver- OPUS AWARD
- 2014 FCA Vancouver Gallery, “Canvas Unbound”. Award of Excellence
- 2014 “Toward Abstraction” 7 woman abstract show, Vancouver, B.C.