Introduction
It sounds odd to say, but it’s interesting to hear Leslie paint. A driven frenzy of brushy, scraping, confident gesture propels paint on canvas—quickly and passionately manifesting her creative impulse. Unlike some, Leslie doesn’t feel intimidated by the blank canvas, or, if she is, she deals with it directly by covering all the available real estate as soon as possible.
A seemingly endless series of subjects crosses her easel—often several in a day. No prima donna, she goes about her business and doesn’t seem to struggle for inspiration. The world is already the eager beneficiary of her well-known angels, still lifes, animal studies and landscapes. And that will continue.
But Leslie must push herself, and always reaches, though sometimes tentatively, for new inspiration, new techniques, and self-discovery. She benefits, but we, more so.
Biography
Growing up in South Carolina, Leslie developed a passion for creativity. Her mother was a constant source of encouragement—always giving her artwork to lucky friends and family. But instead of pursuing a degree in art, Leslie chose to study interior design in Atlanta to develop her love of architecture. Following graduation, she worked for large design and architectural firms in Atlanta and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Once she and her husband, Drew, had children, Leslie took some time off to be home with their boys. During those years at home, art was always a hobby. Although she experimented with a variety of mediums, Leslie always returned to painting when the need to create something emerged.
By the time she returned to full-time artmaking in 2002, her family had relocated to Huntsville, Alabama. Within two years, she had her own studio space in historic downtown Huntsville. Leslie soon began showing work in Golden Griffin and Railroad Antiques (Huntsville) as well as Decatur’s Willis Gray Gallery. Leslie Lockhart Fine Art has since been featured at such noted outdoor art festivals as Panoply of the Arts and the Monte Sano Art Show.
In addition, Leslie has been named selected artist for both the 2008 Early Works Museum Whistle Stop Festival and the 2009 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run (a high profile breast cancer awareness event). She recently joined a small, hand-picked group of artists commissioned to paint violins for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s annual Crescen Dough Auction. Corporate collections include Sparta, Clearview Cancer Institute, Center of Imaging Excellence Women’s Center, Progress Bank and Madison Surgery Center. She is truly honored to see area businesses take such an interest in her work.
Leslie is very grateful to have grown in her study of art in workshops with artists Carole Foret, Margaret Dyer, Ann Blair Brown and Nancy Chaboun. Leslie loves to be pushed out of her comfort zone and looks forward to whatever exciting projects lie ahead.
Stories
People often ask me how I became an artist.
I guess it evolved from a childhood need and desire to make things—anything. With the benefit of three television channels and living on 20 acres with no friends in walking distance, you learn to find something to do. Charles Shultz was my idol. I painted Snoopy and the gang on everything that had a flat surface. My mother wrapped rock paper weights and picnic baskets with Peanuts characters and Hollie Hobbie painted on them like they were tiny works of art. I can only imagine the forced smiles and thank yous from the lucky recipients of those gifts. Macramé, pottery, jewelry, and quilling were just some of the art forms that I have attempted over many years.
But it only grew as I grew: anytime a special gift was needed, buying something wasn’t enough, I just had to “make” them something. It didn’t dawn on me until my thirties that this inner need to create could possibly become a profitable career.
The first item I made and marketed were angels—wooden angels—like the one pictured at right. My father-in-law cut them out for me and I sanded and painted each one. I took them to a store in St. Louis and they actually ordered many—and they sold out. I was hooked. Tooth fairy angels, garden angels that you could stick in a pot (which was also painted) became my focus. I grew a little tired of those so the next phase was floor cloths and I really don’t remember how that came about but I was fascinated with them. After two years of sore knees and an aching back from layer after layer of sealant and blow drying to keep them from puckering it was time to move on to something a little less painful. Time to try what I thought was the real thing, some serious painting—oils.
My precious friends bought my self-taught attempts, but it was the many workshops that helped me grow in the right direction. Like I tell my teenage artist friends, “if you know you want to be an artist, study with the right people and take it seriously.” It took me a long time to learn the wonderful saying, “if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life!”
2009 Exhibitions
April
Panoply Arts Festival – Huntsville, AL
Since 1982, the Panoply Arts Festival has provided an array of cultural events to the Huntsville community. Panoply is a wonderful weekend of visual arts and entertainment—rain or shine!
September
Monte Sano Art Show – Huntsville, AL
With over 150 artists attending, the Monte Sano Art Show has grown to become one of the best juried outdoor art shows in the South. Located among the trees in the beautiful Monte Sano State Park, the Monte Sano Art Show draws many artists and visitors to come enjoy a day of art, crafts, music and food.
2009 Events
Workshops
If you just can’t get enough of the Paint Party craze, here’s one more!
I’m now offering monthly paint parties (classes) in my newly expanded studio in the historic Mercury Building in downtown Huntsville. It’s on the third floor at 313 Franklin Street. Call if you need directions.
Class times are from 10 a.m to noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Open to ten people, enrollment is $45 per person. Supplies (paints and brushes) are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you like. Please bring a canvas in the size that is perfect for your space. Call to reserve your spot: 256-797-5110. Your spot is reserved when payment is received.
- July 23
Beach Fun – We will paint either a beachy drink or a beach scene with umbrellas. - August 20
Angel Painting – Come paint your own version of my popular angel series. - September 17
Cupcakes – So many people are painting cupcakes, I thought we would give it a go!! Great way to commemorate a special birthday or just put a daily smile on your face! - October 22
Animals – The last cow/pet painting night was so much fun, we are going to do it again. Bring your own photo of an animal you would like to put on canvas. - November 19
Clay Ornaments Part 1 – OK, read carefully. This will be a two parter: In November, we will create as many ornaments you like out of clay. We will let those dry and then you will come back and paint them in the next class. - December 3
Clay Ornaments Part 2 – All attendees of November’s class will come and paint their clay ornaments. When they are dry, I will give them a shine with some sealer and they will be ready to hang on your tree or be wrapped for the perfect gift.
My intent in these workshops/paint parties is for you to paint exactly what you want, in the perfect size for the space. Each month I will try to demonstrate how I would get started on that month’s subject. Then we will all paint together and I will be there to help! Bring your girl friends, have some fun and go home with a painting you’ll love!