Artist Statement 

I was introduced to art at a young age by my grandmother, an accomplished oil painter.  I have painted all my life. I live in Largo, FL and spend summers in Highlands, NC with studios in both locations. Sailboats to Bears, Trawlers to Cabins, Waterfalls to Sunsets – these were my inspiration for a long while. As with so many artists, over time my work became looser, more expressionistic, large and mostly non-objective. I now classify myself as an Abstract Painter.

My works are mostly large and are mostly about the process. They feature texture, light or heavy; marks of all kinds; deep colors; patterned backgrounds; drips and various mediums. They convey energy, lyrical or frenetic. They convey mood, serious or lighthearted. I find the painting process exhilarating. I feel successful when I believe the last one is my best one. I am intrigued with the comments and interpretations of my viewers. While a few are difficult to plan and execute & others come easily, I usually think “What fun that was!” when I finish.

I studied painting and art history at FSU / BS – Art Education.                                                                       I exhibit frequently at and/or member of:

ANN LEA GALLERY OF FINE ART, Cashiers, NC

NAWA – National Assn. of Women Artists, and NAWA-FL

FLAG – Florida Artists Group

ISAP – The International Society of Acrylic Painters (Signature Member)

PAVA – The Professional Assn. of Visual Artists

TESA – The Exhibiting Society of Artists

Art Center Sarasota, Sarasota, FL

The Bascom, Highlands, NC

Morean Art Center, St. Petersburg, FL

Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin, FL

Suntan Art Gallery, Pass-a-Grille, FL

Old Hyde Park Gallery, Tampa, FL

Las Damas de Arte (a group of women artists based in Tampa, FL who raise

money for art scholarships) – Past President and Member..

RECENT AWARDS / SOLO EXHIBITIONS

Best of Show – Alliance For the Arts, “Changing Directions: NAWA” January 2023

First Place – “Mapped Out”, Dunedin Fine Arts, Dunedin, FL January 2021

First Place – “Uncharted”, Art Center Sarasota, FL   March 2020

2022 – Duo Show, “Life is Good”, Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, FL

2022 – Featured Artist, “Joy of Art”, Ann Lea Gallery of Fine Art, Cashiers, NC

2021-  Solo Show, “Soundscapes”, Mirella Cimato Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL

2020-  Solo Show, “Sounds of The Sixties”, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, FL

2018-  Solo Show, “For The Birds”, TECO Public Art Gallery, Tampa, FL

Thank you for visiting  “LeslieJeffery.ART“.

Please post a comment in my Blog if you are so inclined.

You may contact me by phone (727) 743-1130 or email: LJArtwork@yahoo.com .