Biography
Best
known for his vibrant watercolor scenes, Leonard
concentrates on the realistic depiction of nature and
landscape vignettes. His paintings invite the viewer to
become a part of the setting.
Leonard grew up with a love of nature, a deep concern
for the earth and a passion for the American West. He
draws his inspiration from the infinite world of nature
- its lands and seas, its animals and its people.
This popular artist's paintings have been recognized in
numerous juried shows, both locally and nationally, and
his studio walls are peppered with a variety of ribbons,
awards and honors. Many of his works are featured in
private and corporate collections across the country.
His work can be seen in "The New Creative Artist", by well known artist/author
Nita Leland
and he is a featured artist in her newest book
"Confident Color". In addition, his
drawings appear in a series of learning and activity
books for children in grades one through five produced
by Children's
Historical Publishing.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Leonard spent 25 years as a
firefighter for the City of Dayton and over 35 years as
a sign painter. Drawing since childhood and primarily a
self-taught artist, he has refined his natural talents
by working with many nationally known artists such as
Robert Bateman, Clyde Aspvig, Nita Engle, Veryle
Goodnight, Don Andrews, Mort Solberg, and others.
Now retired, he lives in the Caesar Creek area of
Waynesville, Ohio, where he concentrates full-time on
his painting. He teaches beginning and intermediate
watercolor classes and beginning drawing workshops at
Rosewood Art Centre in Kettering, Ohio and give demos
and workshops throughout the surrounding area.
Len is an active member and past president of the
Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, a signature member of the Ohio Watercolor
Society and a member of the Western Ohio Watercolor
Society, the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society, the
American Impressionist Society and the Ohio Plein Air
Society. In addition, he is a member and strong
supporter of several conservation organizations
including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens,
Defenders of Wildlife, the World Wildlife Federation,
the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the Humane Society
of America.
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