Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Pratt-Thomas. Them and their team share their story with us below:
The oil paintings of Leslie Pratt-Thomas, though varied in content, portray the natural world through her unique life experience. Having lived in Canada, New England, Colorado and finally Charleston, SC she is “at home” painting a wide variety of subject matter. Her beginnings as a realist showcased her ability to capture light on a creek, a shorebird, or a shrimp boat; and she says now, after 20 plus years of daily painting, that she is just beginning to “get it.” Armed with knowledge, dedication, and her own personal style, she is creating work that is garnering national and international recognition.
She is primarily self-taught learning most from her consistent weekly practice – painting “en plein air” (or in the open), and on these adventures is often accompanied by her canine companion. Early in her career she frequented weekly classes from local instructors and various workshops while pursuing the fundamentals of painting. She still travels annually to work with noted artists for specific skills she wishes to enhance and she is happy to share her knowledge.
For several years she has taught small groups in her studio, as well as occasional workshops. “Teaching the rudiments and subtleties of oil painting is pure pleasure; seeing my students’ perspectives and growth reminds me of when I first started painting and began viewing the world through an artistic lens – there is nothing like reliving that excitement with them.”
Since being invited to show in Julie Cooke’s galleries, Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan’s Island and Dare Gallery in Charleston:
Leslie’s painting of some ibis in flight was chosen to hang for three years in Dakar, Senegal as part of the Art in Embassies program.
South Carolina former poet laureate, Marjory Wentworth invited Leslie to illustrate the children’s book, Shackles, which received the Moonbeam Award for Children’s books.
One of Leslie’s best known paintings depicting a little girl standing on the rocks at the beach with her arms outstretched was chosen my Mary Alice Monroe, the New York Times best selling author, to be on the cover of her novel, Swimming Lessons.
More recently, she has entered and garnered recognition in several national and international painting exhibitions. She was excited to learn one of her paintings of wood storks was purchased by a museum for its permanent collection – quite an honor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Artists are often advised to choose a particular subject matter in order to enhance their recognizable style. For me, this has proved quite difficult because I’m inspired to paint it all – landscapes, still life, and portraiture! And also, more recently, shorebirds have become a personal favorite. I guess if there is one thing I’m particularly drawn to paint, it is light on form and I hope my “style” is identifiable as my own. Like most artists who are growing and challenging themselves, my style is evolving as I experiment in my studio with different combinations of color and applications, or learn a new technique. Despite the years I’ve spent honing my skills, expressing myself through this medium remains challenging and, therefore mostly rewarding!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Years ago when my two boys were elementary school age, a casual friend and fellow carpool mom who knew I had some drawing skills, encouraged me to join her in a local oil painting class. I had not painted in oil before but I was game to try. From the very first class, I was hooked – on the color mixing, the buttery feel of the paint, and the variety of textures possible with the application. So began my commitment to weekly painting lessons and at home practice for the next several years. As I developed skills and a modest inventory, I applied and was accepted to be part of a local juried outdoor painting exhibition. I developed some collectors through that venue as well as met my current gallerist, Julie Cooke, who invited me to show my work on an ongoing basis.
As we both matured as artists, my painting friend and I organized a small group of women painters who wanted to engage in weekly outdoor (en plein air) painting to better enhance our painting skills. There is nothing more challenging than choosing a composition in an outdoor setting and painting quickly enough to render a piece before the light changes! There are also other challenges when outdoors. I once set up quite close to a creek, had a leg of my easel collapse and my painting landed in the water. I retrieved a dripping mess. Another time upon leaving a location, I set my painting on top of my car while I packed up, forgot it, and drove off. It landed upside down on the pavement and was run over by several cars leaving a ghostly image of the original.
Over the years, I have traveled with a variety of artist friends to various locations to paint en plein air or to attend advanced workshops with noted artists. In addition to attaining advanced skills and enhancing my personal style, I return with many stories resulting in laughter and a full heart.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest life lesson regarding being an artist? Don’t wait for inspiration, just paint, and keep painting. Inspiration arrives most often when I am engaged in the process.
Another thought about feeling uninspired. In addition to showing up…
I love to go to museums if I need to “fill the well”. I take pictures of paintings I’m drawn to and relook at them later to see if I can figure out why the attraction. Often there is something I see that I want to incorporate in my own work. The specific angle of the view of a sitter, or the intensity of a sunset being enhanced by the surrounding greyed-out landscape or even a textural element that I might want to try.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lesliepratt-thomas.com
- Instagram: leslieptpainter
- Facebook: Leslie Pratt-Thomas – Artist (business) and Leslie Darwin Pratt-Thomas (personal)
