Interview
Leigh Witherell
Leigh Witherell, born in 1969 in Denver City, Texas, USA, is an emerging figurative impressionist and visual artist currently based in Melbourne, Florida, USA. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Witherell is best known for her compelling ability to capture scenes of human emotion through contemporary compositions, often reflecting profound and intimate moments. Witherell’s work delves into authentic intimacy and the exploration of the most private moments of the human experience. Characterized by organic, earth-tone color palettes and dynamic brushwork, her paintings often evoke deep emotional and provocative responses. Significant projects include a series of works that portray the silent, powerful moments of interpersonal relationships and a series focused on parental grief spurred by her own personal tragedy in 2021. The latter experience triggered a seismic shift in her personal philosophy and life goals. This new personal drive has her attention tightly focused on creating artwork that celebrates love and encourages introspection about how we approach and interact with others on a societal and personal level.
Witherell has exhibited her work in several reputable venues, including the Las Laguna Art Gallery in Orange County, California, The Orlando Museum of Modern Art in Florida, Espacio CóMPLICES in Madrid, Spain, and the Eisele Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. She has also participated in the Buinho Creative Residency in Messejana, Portugal. Witherell’s works are held in numerous private collections, attesting to her rising presence in contemporary art.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I began my professional journey after the loss of my daughter in 2021. That one event induced a reevaluation of my life goals. Before that, painting, sketching, and writing were closely held private endeavors.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“At this point in my life, I focus my art on generating thought and conversation about societal issues that I think are largely avoided in the public sphere. It’s meant to challenge viewers to think deeply about their personal, long-held beliefs and ideas, some of which were culturally programmed without giving them much thought.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My work is planned. I have a running backlog of consistent themes I want to attack, and that drives which pieces are started in which order. I try to think methodically about building exhibitions.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I intentionally avoid creating shocking works. I’m drawn to contemporary recreations of scenes inspired by the classics in fine art, specifically The Impressionists. While I am on social media for exposure and announcements, I am not engaged in the influencer metrics-driven practices I see so often.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My method of creating compositions is, I think, unique. Where many artists use photographs or go out in nature to paint what they see, I use AI powered image generators to create my compositions. While painting, I display my reference images on an iPad near my canvas, much like a traditional painter would display their reference photos or sketches. I have an article on my website that discusses my method.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art speaks to me; it always has even when I was a child. I look at a canvas, whether it is one of my own or someone else’s, and I want to hear what it has to say. I must confess that there is maybe a bit too much art these days that either has nothing to say or is shouting at the viewer crudely. I want my art to be that quiet conversation. When the viewer walks away, they are still contemplating what it said to them. I suppose every artist wants to leave a legacy. I want my legacy to be artworks that continue to speak; hopefully, people will still want to listen.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“‘Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son’ by Claude Monet from 1875 is my all-time favorite. It is a moment in their private time and speaks to intimacy, family, and dedication to his art. His depiction of his wife and son is lovingly executed, and there is a hint of amusement at how annoyed she seems.”
Website: www.leighs.art
