Davette Leonard - GUEST ARTIST - STUDIO #3

The exacting realism in my still life paintings expresses the beauty, mystery and sensuality that I find in ordinary objects. What compels me to paint realism is the ephemeral nature represented by the deterioration of natural objects. Observing the deteriorating transformation of objects that react to light, heat and time, and then incorporating those changes as I work is an important element in the outcome of the painting. It’s the reason that I work entirely from live observation as opposed to working from photographs. My paintings follow a tradition likened to Northern European Renaissance and Spanish Baroque still life, using layers of translucent color glazes, acute observation, dramatic lighting and exacting draftsmanship. 

With the representation of natural forms and color, I hope to offer the solace nature has always provided in times of human difficulties. The purpose of my work is to provide an existential life raft to myself and the viewer, while also preserving the the tradition of realism in still life painting. 

Recently, my interest in birds and landscapes has led to a series of paintings echoing the detailed precision of my previous still life work, but this time, out of necessity, working from photos taken by me. As always, I find that nature inspires and guides my hand.

EDUCATION

University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA

School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D C

Email: Davette.leonard@gmail.com