My father was an architect of the Mid-Century Modern breed. He was probably the one responsible for my love of drawing as he encouraged it in me from a very early age. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Valdosta State University in 1979. Out of school, I worked briefly as a graphic designer (pre-computer days) and photographer's assistant before moving into a career in the fine wine business. In 1993, my wife accepted an overseas position with her company in marketing research, I committed to painting full time, and we began a life of living & working in places like Brussels, Belgium; Buenos Aires, Argentina; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Paris, France. We returned to my home state of Florida in 2010. I paint out of studio in the Cork Arts District in Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood. My work is divided between studio and plein air pieces. I am passionate about watercolor and painting outdoors so, it is no surprise that plein air paintings comprise about 60% of my work. I teach watercolor classes and workshops locally and show my work at various venues and galleries throughout the region. I also teach watercolor workshops in Italy. My work is available to view here and on my website at RobertLeedyWatercolors.
About
My paintings are a celebration of the intrinsic qualities of watercolor – fluidity, transparency, vibrant and granulating color. My goal is that viewers immediately recognize the works as watercolor. I also strive to pique their visual interest.
My response to light is quite evident in my work. I think that is a big factor in what draws people to it. Color & light are the important common denominators in my paintings. Whether my subject is architectural, figurative, a landscape, still life or non-representational – bold, often pure, luminous, mingling color reigns throughout the composition.
The unpredictability of the medium attracts me. I enjoy the unexpected decisions, challenges, and surprises that arise during a painting's creation. I like the discovery process and quirky nature of the medium and give it room to lead the direction of the painting to some extent. Keeping it spontaneous and open for forks in the road; I am merely a guide for a wonderful medium.