21 Under 31—2024 | Leslie De Leon, 25
COLORADO
Between Two Worlds, oil on canvas, 48 x 48.
Grand Canyon Flight, oil on linen, 20 x 24.
Style & Inspirations: My style is traditional Western with influences of Tex-Mex borderlands culture.
Art Education: I received my BFA from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022 with an emphasis on painting and drawing. I’m very grateful to have received an education from the best school in Texas.
Best Art Advice Received: “If you don’t like your artwork, why should anyone else?”
Favorite Studio Music: When I say I listen to everything, I mean everything! Lots of Outlaw country and Texas country these days, but I also love classic rock, pop, hip-hop, everything!
Favorite Work by Another Artist: Since I moved to Colorado a year ago, I’ve become really interested in works by Bierstadt and others from the Hudson River School. Living in Colorado feels like living in a Bierstadt painting.
Artistic Goals: My current career goal is to find gallery representation soon. A goal I have for my artwork is to start working on larger canvases.
Other Passions: I really enjoy road trips, camping and hiking! There’s something exhilarating about seeing things you’ve never seen before, and turning your adventures into paintings.
Price Range: $700-$4,000
contact info: lesliedeleonart.com
Included in “21 Under 31 | Young Artists to Watch – 2024” from the August/September 2024 issue.