"My love of nature through observation and academic study has a strong influence on my painting……I find enjoyment, interest, and beauty in my surroundings wherever I may be. In the more traditional pieces, color and vibrancy are used to express my subject matter. I prefer to emphasize the simple elegance of a single tree or even part of one. I am blessed to live in an especially beautiful area, with soft meadows and rolling hills. I enjoy painting outdoors whenever possible. In my work I try to capture light and presence. I strive to record the feel of a place or time."
"My abstract work is more about chance and intent. I call it "in your face art", because, when viewed up close, these pieces present a totally different vision. Relationships vie for focus and new interactions take place. Synchronicity works its magic and the painting starts its journey."
Deborah Leonard is co-founder of the annual Farmington Valley's City and Country Canvases event with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. She is president of the Avon Arts Association and a member of the West Hartford Art League, the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society and Simsbury Open Studios.
She teaches art classes for adults in Simsbury. She has created and maintained local artists programs in Avon and Bloomfield, allowing a venue for monthly shows and receptions to area artists.
Her work has appeared in numerous juried shows and is part of a permanent collection in the Children's Room at the Simsbury Library and private collections here and aboard. She has a designed jewelry for the Farmington River Watershed Association. Her work is currently for sale at Fastframe in Avon, Puffins Gallery in Watch Hill RI, Le Cherche Midi, Nantucket, MA, Petrini Gallery in Avon and Bill Selig Jewelers.
She serves on the boards of directors of the Farmington River Watershed Association, the Farmington Valley Visitors Association, and the Avon Art Association.
