Artist Statement
Contemporary abstract oil pastel artist

The Heart of My Work
Color is at the core of my artistic expression. It inites my imagination and empowers me to paint with passion, texture and bold strokes. My sensitivity to color is matched by an innate understanding of the emotional impact visual elements have in composing a work of art.

Through the rich immediacy of oil pastels, I strive to distill the raw energy of the natural world: the vast expanse of skies, the unique rhythm of desert landscapes, and the endless waters of the world. My work isn't presented behind glass or constrained by frames; the deckled edges give the pieces a quality found in Mother Nature.

Inspiration and Roots
My initial inspiration came from the English Romantic painter J.M.W. Turner, a master of light and dramatic landscapes. After 33 years as an art director/designer in the corporate world and an independent entrepreneur, I've embraced the joy of returning to my artistic roots, creating with purpose and liberation.

My passion for art is deeply connected to my travels, particularly my experiences in the American Southwest and on the water. Her oil pastel work is directly inspired by the stunning landscapes of the desert and the beautiful destinations she has sailed to. These journeys provide a boundless source of inspiration, which she channels into her authentic artistic expression, believing that color and texture have a powerful and beautiful impact on people.

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BIO
Leslie Gabriel is a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing director, and artist with a diverse background in design, advertising, and business development. As the co-founder and marketing director of 180 Marine, she has spent the last 11 years building a business that imports high-performance multihulls from Vietnam and Denmark, including Corsair and Dragonfly trimarans. Her expertise lies in crafting communication campaigns and engaging marketing messages that drive the company's brand.

A true entrepreneur at heart, Leslie's business ventures extend beyond the marine industry. Prior to 180 Marine, she co-founded Airways360, where she was responsible for creating printed marketing materials and implementing email campaigns to execute digital marketing strategies. With over 33 years of experience in marketing and communications, she excels at integrating creative vision with strategic business goals.

Leslie's journey in the creative field began with her education in art history at the University of Oregon, followed by a degree from the Colorado Institute of Art in 1979. She built her career as a freelance designer before joining Tallant Yates Advertising in 1983 as an Art Director/Designer. This extensive experience in advertising and design has provided a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Beyond her business pursuits, Leslie is a passionate oil pastel artist. She began painting in 2018 and has studied with Marianne Mitchel at The Art Student League in Denver. She is deeply committed to "owning her authentic, artistic expression" by understanding the inspiration behind her work and using technique and visual language to convey her message.