About the artist Leslie Montana

Flowers and plants have been an elemental passion for me since my childhood in New York City, in the 1960s. New York City and northern New Jersey have been home to me most of my life. These days you'll find me spending most of my time in Southern California, where my favorite flowers grow all year round.

As far back as I can remember I have always identified myself as an artist. The work I am currently engaged in began to emerge in the mid 1990's. My inspiration soared and gained tremendous momentum after a creative rebirth of sorts. I found life taking me down a new path as I stretched several large canvases from which several large and uncharacteristic paintings of flowers began to emerge. It was clear that from my then overflowing heart the endless colors and visions that I had been guarding, nurturing and gestating for years were being birthed into form. A clear and direct wellspring of inspiration opened up inside of me and connected me to the world of nature and beauty in a way I had not been able to see before. The opening to this path continues to grow and beckon to me to this day.

As you will see on this web site my works range in size from small and intimate paintings, to extra-large and truly grand. Some people might describe my approach as minimalist, with a single flower hovering in open white space while others may see a kind of maximally filled to the edge opposite kind of approach. Both I think are true. Super focused, and as one writer put it "hyper-real" can sometimes be a fitting description. It really depends on the viewer.

Nature Speaks
Nature speaks to us through our senses in ways that are unique to each of us. Whether its through vision, feelings, inner impressions, insights or in other ways we exchange energy with nature all the time. Our senses, both inner and outer provide pathways that help us to integrate and make use of it all. As I paint I receive information about the subtle qualities of the subject matter I am working with. The process involves a recognition and understanding of the rich tapestry of light and color being broadcast through the amazing life forms I work with. Flowers and plants emit super-live light, color and vibration— living color, which is a language in and of itself. As I paint I tap into this language. I receive information, interpret it, and simultaneously transfer it to the canvas as I paint. The imprint of what I receive becomes part of the painting, interwoven with the paint itself. It is a mystical yet tangible process which results in the works of art you will see as you browse my website. To view my work in person please contact me for a gallery location near you.

Thanks for visiting!

Leslie Montana