Artist Leslie Chandler presents a collection of paintings that bring the majestic landscape of Canada to life. View more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
I was fortunate. Not only did I grow up surrounded by Canada’s incredible mountains, oceans, lakes, forests and islands, and had parents who took me hiking, camping and fishing, but I also had a father who made a living as an artist and who inspired me from a very young age.
Art and Canadian landscapes are truly embedded in my soul. It seems inevitable that I paint the natural wonders I see all around me in the country I love.
Near my home, in a scenic rural Ontario village, I frequently walk or cycle along local trails. I stop quite often to snap a moment when my eye catches a reflection or a combination of textures or colours that may be destined for a future canvas.
Most of my previous watercolour or acrylic landscapes could be described as contemporary Canadian impressionism. I now find my work leaning more and more toward contemporary Canadian abstraction.
I’m drawn to unexpected combinations of scale, colour, texture and the variability of focus as impacted by constantly changing light—light that we might see, for instance, in sunlight glistening and sparkling both in and out of focus on water’s undulating surface.
I have many paintings yet to be realized still percolating in the back of my mind where I do most of my preliminary compositional work.
This is an important step for me, because if I can’t visualize it, it will never emerge as a painting. Once I start a canvas, I can already “see” the finished piece. But most of the work happens unseen.
As a recently retired award-winning Visual Arts teacher and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, I currently enjoy the freedom to paint in my home studio. There I work on commissioned pieces, offer ArtpARTner workshops and continue to develop my personal style.
My original paintings and fine art reproductions can be found in private collections across Canada, the United States, England and Denmark.
Artist Leslie Chandler invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
I am so proud and in awe of my talented cousin, Leslie Chandler. The moment that I saw “Tranquility “, I had to have that painting! It is my first original artwork on my wall and I can lose myself into that painting. I have been at that place before and it always brings me peace and so much joy.
I am so happy so see you receive the honour and praise that you deserve, Leslie! Congratulations and love to you!
Thank you all for such lovely comments! 💖 *Feeling so encouraged!* 😊
The way you visualize and describe the process of your work is facinating!
We are so proud to be owners of 3 original beautiful pieces. Thank you dear friend for sharing your amazing talent! 💗💗
Leslie, as an educator you inspired so many up-and-coming artists in a multitude of Canadian classrooms.
Now it is so fitting that you have increased public access to the wealth of your artistic talent.
“Majesty” remains one of my favourite pieces!
Leslie,
Your work is wonderfully imaginative with great colors. You paint mountains with such great detail. I struggle sometimes with mountains in my wildlife paintings.
We would love to have you on ArtVerified.com