leslie gabriel art

I seek simplicity — defend it and embrace it in everything I do.

I love color. It fires my imagination, and I love to sculpt with texture and play with bold strokes to craft a unique statement.

Yet, it is the ambiguity of abstraction that truly delights me. Through my oil pastel work, I strive to harness the beautiful energy of nature, which manifests in big open skies and endless ocean waters.

I work intuitively, trusting the message of each intimate painting will reveal itself uniquely to the observer.

At this moment in my life, I'm fortunate to have the time and support of family and friends, which allows me to return to my roots. I have served several years as an art director for many corporate clients and as an entrepreneur in the performance sailing industry with my husband. Now, it’s time to resume my journey as a fine artist.

My original inspiration came from Joseph Turner, an English romantic painter. In his search for greater subjective effects, Turner turned his back on the tradition of detailed rendering and static scenes embraced by his peers and generations of previous masters. Instead, he created effects to render perceptions of a closely observed nature. His unique contribution gifted us with  swirling clouds of varied light and bold
arrays of color dabbed in oil.

As with Turner, my work is not static. It continues to evolve as I explore the infinite world of abstract.

A true Colorado native!