About Me

Leslie is a Mississippi artist who is known for her cheerful color palette and whimsical pet and nature paintings. She believes we should fill our home with art that inspires joy and lifts our spirits.

Leslie is self-taught in acrylics and watercolors, but her formal training in oils began in 2013 from Bob Tompkins and it has since become her central medium.  She has continued to develop her skills by taking workshops from artists from around the country.  “I love to paint outside or "en plain air" and "alla prima" (from life in one sitting). I am drawn to looseness and the capture of light in impressionists and post impressionist works.”

Leslie is enjoying taking a break from teaching elementary art and middle school drama and spending time at home this year with her long awaited baby girl, husband Jarod, and three fur babies. 

Leslie is a board member of Mississippi Oil Painters Association (MOPA), and is an actor and former board member with the Madison Centerplayers. She has a Master of Science Degree in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, no matter the degree don’t forget your true passions kids!

Look for Leslie’s elementary summer art camps each summer!

A Few of my Favorite Things

I have a small obsession with all things British, especially the Regency Era and Jane Austen. Meet my cats Mr. Darcy and Bing Bing (formally Mr. Bingley) and my first born is named after my favorite author as well.

Most of my days are now spent chasing my little munchkins and making lovely messes. In my very spare time I love reading, playing golf with my husband, hiking and exploring nature. I also have a huge love for theater. I’ve been so blessed to be able to perform in many great plays with our local community theater and to get to teach and direct middle school drama.

Spring and summer are my favorite times of the year and when I feel the most inspired. All of my fun money (and probably most of my husband’s) go to the local nurseries and the garden center at Lowes. I still have a rose bush my grandmother gave me in college. It's moved with me three times.

When I look at the beauty around me, at the vibrant colors, sights and sounds to the minuscule details in creation, I can't help but be in awe of our Master Painter, Jesus.