Leslie Wilson Watercolors

www.lesliewilson.net

Leslie Wilson, watercolor artist of Walnut Creek, CA, offers original watercolor paintings and commissions, including landscapes, still life and figures in an impressionistic style. 

Art has always been fundamental in her life.  During college, she focused primarily on drawing and oil painting.  In 1990, her passion and study turned to watercolor painting, which has developed into an impressionistic style with paintings charged in light and color. 

The application of color is immediate and emotional, capturing the subject in the light, each time something new, whether a figure, object or landscape.  She receives great joy when she transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, reminding people of the places they've been, the people they've met and the truly remarkable light and color in our world. 

Renowned artist, Charles Reid, has provided guidance and inspiration to her over the years.  His direct application of color on the paper promotes the essence of the subject out in the light.

Recognition/Awards:

1997 CWA -2nd Place, Blackhawk Gallery "Pondering"
1997 CWA - Honorable Mention - Blackhawk Gallery "Planning the Siege" 
2004 - CWA National Exhibition - Academy of Art Award - "Kids at Stinson Beach"
2007 - CWA - 3rd Place - "Presidio", San Francisco, CA - Paint-out
2007 - CWA - Honorable Mention - Gallery Concord, "Aging Gracefully"
2008 - CWA - Honorable Mention - Gallery Concord, "Presidio"
2008 - 2nd Place - City of Pittsburg, CA - "St Peter Martyr's Catholic Church" Paint-out
2008 - 1st Place - CWA 3rd Qtr. - Gallery Concord, "Fallen Oak"
2008 - 1st Place - CWA - Berkeley MusicFest, "Bring on the Jazz"
2008 - 3rd Place - CWA 4th Qtr. - Gallery Concord, "Inspiration Point"
2008 - 1st Place - Valona Paint Out - Epperson Gallery, Crockett, CA, "Best Clam Chowder"
2009 - 2nd Place - CWA 2nd Qtr. show - Gallery Concord, "Winter's Glow"
2009 - 3rd Place - CWA Presidio Paint Out - "Golden Gate Club"
2009 - 1st Place - CWA Presidio Paint Out - "Fort Winfield Scott"
2009 - CWA 4th Qtr. - Honorable Mention - Gallery Concord, "Reservations Required"
2009 - Honorable Mention - Valona Paint Out - Epperson Gallery, Crockett, CA, "Old Milk Barn"
2010 - North Light Books - Splash 11 Book - Spring, 2010 - will feature "The Other Side of the Mountain"
2010 - CWA - Honorable Mention - John Muir Show - "High Wire"

Memberships: 

Gallery Concord, Concord, CA - www.galleryconcord.org
California Watercolor Association - Signature Membership www.californiawatercolor.org
Arts Directory and Calendar - http://directory.ac5.org/LeslieWilson
Thurzday Painterz - http://thurzdaypainterz.blogspot.com
Benicia Plein Air Group - www.pleinairlinks.com

Ongoing Watercolor Classes/Mentoring:

Workshops and Classes at Dorothy Davis' Studio in Orinda, CA. 
Dublin Unified School District - Adult Education Art Teacher - Art Exploration 
Individual and small group instruction by request.  If you are interested in classes or individual instruction, please contact me.

Current/Future Exhibits and Events: 

Current Gallery Concord 1st Quarter Show - "New Beginnings"
1765 Galindo Street, Concord, CA  94520  Galleryconcord.blogspot.com
Gallery Hours:  11-4 Thursday through Sunday.  I have five paintings displayed at this show.  I paint in the Gallery on Thursdays, so feel free to come visit and receive a personal tour.

Current through March 25, 2010 - Medical offices of C. Strotz, Orinda, California.  Eleven paintings are displayed in these offices.  


April 9 - June 27, 2010 - Featured Artist - Gallery Concord 2nd Quarter Show - "Rejuvenation"

April, 2010 - dates TBD - Epperson Gallery 
1400 Pomona Street, Crockett, California 
This exhibit will feature recent work, including some paintings from the Valona Paint Out.

August 14, 2010 - Scene on the Strait - Martinez, California  

Past Exhibits and Events: 

December 2 - 29, 2009 - Orinda Library Show - Eastbay Fine Artists
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, California

November 13 - December 10, 2009    Aurora Ristorante Italiano 
8 Commercial Boulevard, Novato, CA  94949
Nine of my paintings were exhibited. 


October 21 - December 10, 2009  CWA Show EB MUD Gallery, 375 11th St., Oakland, CA

Gallery Hours:  Monday-Friday 8-4:30pm; Closed Saturday and Sunday 
"Rough Weather Ahead" 14"x 20" was displayed in this show. 

October 2 - December 30, 2009 - Gallery Concord 4th Quarter Show "Fall Spectrum" Six of my paintings were displayed in this show.
        
October 17 - 25, 2009 - Valona Plein Air Paint Out, Crockett, CA, hosted by the Epperson Gallery, 1400 Pomona St., Crockett, 94525.  The judging and reception was held on Sunday, October 25th.   My painting "Old Milk Barn" won an Honorable Mention.  Website:   www.eppersongallery.com

Sep 5 - Oct 8, 2009 - Cafe Arrivederci - 3rd and G St., San Rafael, CA - Nine of my paintings were exhibited at this popular restaurant.  Open daily for lunch and dinner. 
Website:  www.cafearrivedercirestaurant.com


August, 2009 The Napa Valley Art Festival, Yountville, California - This juried annual event was held at The Pavilion at V Marketplace (formerly Vintage 1870) 6525 Washington St., Yountville - Napa Valley.  I was one of 35 artists selected for this prestigious event.  Website:  www.NapaValleyArtFestival.com .  This event is a benefit for the Land Trust of Napa County.

August, 2009 Scene On The Strait (SOS), at the Martinez Regional Shoreline in Martinez, CA.  This is a juried annual event and I was one of the 26 selected artists.  It is sponsored by the nonprofit Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center (CREEC). Website:   www.sceneonthestrait.org/ 

July, 2009 Frank Bette Plein Air Paint Out, Alameda, CA -  This juried event is an annual benefit for the Frank Bette Center for the Arts.  I was one of 40 selected artists for the competition. 
Website:  www.frankbettecenter.org/painters-are-coming.html 


March-May, 2009 - 40th CWA National Exhibition, San Francisco, CA. 
Presidio Officer's Club.  This is a juried annual event sponsored by the California Watercolor Association.  My painting, "The Other Side of the Mountain" was accepted for the exhibition.