About
I'm Leah, an artist residing near Boulder, Colorado finding inspiration in the everyday beauty of nature - be it a bouquet of flowers or the hues of a sunrise.
I like to create art in two different ways - digital art and painting.
My digital art is drawn with the Apple pencil and the app Procreate on iPad. Whenever possible I sketch from personal photos from my travels, or local hikes. I like to draw flowers, plants and animals.
My paintings, primarily in acrylic on canvas, dance between abstract landscapes and vibrant floral pieces, all imbued with expressive energy. Sometimes I like to incorporate charcoal and pastels to bring some sketching details to a piece. These paintings showcase my affinity for loose, free-flowing strokes.
Background
I've enjoyed making art since I was a kid. I took extra art classes in watercolor and oil when I was growing up. I majored in Studio Art at the University of Colorado - Boulder with a concentration on painting and printmaking. One summer I studied abroad in Denmark learning textile design.
Highlights
- Ivy Lane Home Artist
- Featured artist January & May 2024 at FlyteCo Brewing in Denver, Colorado
My Process
My digital art
I usually start with reference photos that whenever possible I try to take myself. I create a canvas in the app Procreate and start sketching. I try to get basic shapes and the composition figured out. Then I do an ink drawing layer. Then I play with color schemes and fill in color. Then I add embellishments - extra little parts of the drawing that add that extra something and fill spaces in. Then I add texture.
My paintings
I usually start with a reference photo, or some color ideas that I want to work with. I like to put on music and try to get into a flow. I paint on canvas on my easel. I like to get a base layer of color down, or a loose sketch if I'm doing something more representational. Then I try to get into the flow of playing with colors, shapes and layers.
My commitment to the environment
Using recycled paper shipping labels, repurposing packaging whenever possible, using biodegradable card sleeves and conserving energy and reducing waste in my studio. Not all art products are very eco-friendly but I make changes where I can.