CONTEMPORARY CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONISM
My paintings are a celebration of the abundant natural splendor of the wild. I intend to express the spirit and mystery of nature through my artwork, and hope to inspire conservation of our beautiful environment. Each image is an invitation for you to follow your imagination, feelings and memories.
Greatly inspired by the early California Impressionists plein-air painters, I attempt to reflect the radiance of color and light in the landscape. Like them, I love to express the golden glow of our California light, and how it illuminates the natural world.
When choosing a location to paint, I follow 'the call of the wild.' Whenever I can, I paint 'en plein air' (in the field), in oil or pastel. Larger works are done in the studio, since big canvases turn into kites outside, plus the light changes so quickly!
I have been exhibiting and selling my work since 1980. Born and raised in Germany, the visual arts were part of my life from early on. I have been part of the Open Studios Tour of Santa Cruz, CA, since 1990, and participated in many juried as well as one woman shows.
Please visit my PaintTheParks gallery, as well as www.PaintTheParks.com. 10% of the profit form these paintings and prints is donated to parks programs.
Karin Leonard joined Pixels.com Licensing on October 18th, 2010.
