Early July Chicago morning, hot already with blooming lily pads
July 22, 2019
Garfield Park Conservatory
September 7, 2019
Hahn House Wisconsin
January 23, 2020
Huntington Gardens California
July 25, 2021
Joshua Tree
August 31, 2018
livingroom backyard view Baltimore
It was so nice to look at plants, water and sky, and to try to capture something of the scene, all while chatting. Like parallel play, we both looked and painted, and chatted about things other than looking and painting, until the rain came and we packed up and ran.
September 27, 2019
Humboldt Park
it was the summer of 2019
at the Poor Farm
i thought to myself, I don’t paint, what would i look at, how would I begin
too many questions clouded my imagination
picking up a brush isn’t second nature to me, how does Leslie do it, so natural – it’s her element, not mine
so many brushes, paints, techniques, to choose from, I was overwhelmed
but leslie invites you to paint, to be, to see what you see, do what you want to do
she opens a space that is welcoming and comfortable, free of judgement
but there I was, judging each awkward swoop after the next
time goes by
one paper after the next
but…before you know it, you start to drift in and out of conversation, your eyes grazing the landscape
you’re taking in the mood and atmosphere
you start playing with the brushes, the paint
you begin creating your own techniques, seeing the macro and micro, the nuances
and you realize, just how peaceful the moment is, how enjoyable
leslie looks on with delight and surprise, pointing out wonderful moments
you are proud of what you made and can’t wait to do more
August 23, 2019
Little wolf Wisconsin
I’m so grateful that Leslie shared this meditative, creative and social practice with me! I’ve since moved to Los Angeles, but I love the idea of carrying on this tradition as a way to nurture imagination, build community – and of course stay connected to my thoughtful friend.
October 21, 2017
Humboldt Park
Together apart, we shared our views.
Owen: it was fun.
March 20, 2020
Remote Malaga Spain
November 7, 2020
Humboldt Park
I placed a jar in Tennessee,
And round it was, upon a hill.
It made the slovenly wilderness
Surround that hill.
The wilderness rose up to it,
And sprawled around, no longer wild.
The jar was round upon the ground
And tall and of a port in air.
It took dominion everywhere.
The jar was gray and bare.
It did not give of bird or bush,
Like nothing else in Tennessee.
-Wallace Stevens
December 13, 2017
Garfield Park Conservatory
What can be better than spending time with a friend, painting, in nature on a glorious
summer day
September 2, 2019
Humboldt Park
