Leslie Portsmouth

I paint for true joy! I firmly believe that "life is better with art" for me and my viewers. As an artist, every step engages and delights me, from the challenge of a blank canvas to the final brushstroke. For my audience, I aspire to create a special place where they can pause and reflect.

Largely self-taught, I have been painting and creating all my life. I grew up in a rural area surrounded by fields and forests, which instilled in me a strong connection with nature that continues to inspire me today. Using vibrant colors and paying close attention to detail, my art brings the outdoors in, celebrating the joys of the four seasons.

I am both a figurative and abstract artist. I am quite well known for my vibrant watercolor flowers that express my love of gardening and often include details of birds and insects found in our own backyard. In addition, over the past few years, I have expanded my artistic horizons to include the use of fluid acrylic paint, which fluctuates in many ways, allowing me to create an unusual interpretation of nature.

What makes my work unique is my bold and joyful color choices, combined with soft, organic forms. I push each tube of paint to create richness and vibrancy to capture the colors of nature. It surprises people to learn that my pieces are often created using various mixtures of only three primary colors.

My work is part of private collections in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Europe. I am an active member of several art associations, exhibiting and selling my art locally. Nature is good for the soul, and I consider myself very fortunate to be able to express my love of nature through my art.