Artist Biography

Jessica Leonard is a contemporary realist oil painter originally from Saratoga Springs, New York. After earning her bachelor's degree in Fine Art from SUNY Plattsburgh, she stepped away from art for several years. Her return to drawing began with a simple sketch of a sparrow during a quiet moment while raising her two young daughters. That small moment of rediscovery eventually grew into a professional painting career.

Growing up surrounded by Saratoga's Thoroughbred racing culture, Leonard developed a connection to the equine world that would later become a central part of her artistic practice. Her work has led to gallery representation and a longstanding relationship with CAPTAIN Community Human Services' An Unbridled Affair gala, where she has served as a featured artist.

Leonard continues to develop her artistic practice while pursuing a master's degree in Art Education at Adelphi University.

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Artist Statement

I create contemporary realist oil paintings that explore the beauty, character, and atmosphere of my subjects. While Thoroughbred racing and equine imagery have become a central focus of my work, I am equally drawn to portraiture, landscapes, nostalgic imagery, and whimsical seasonal subjects. My interests are varied, but each painting begins with something that captures my attention and makes me want to explore it further.

Growing up in Saratoga Springs, I developed an appreciation for the power and elegance of Thoroughbred horses. In my equine paintings, I am particularly interested in the contrast between strength and stillness. A horse capable of tremendous speed and force can also possess a quiet, almost delicate presence. In portraiture, I am drawn to the subtle expressions and individual characteristics that make a subject recognizable and personal. Even in my smaller, more playful paintings, I look for opportunities to create a sense of warmth, nostalgia, or connection.

My process typically begins with a sketch to establish the composition. Through careful layering and attention to detail, I gradually build each painting, balancing realistic representation with the atmosphere and emotion I want to convey. I also consider the size, shape, and orientation of each canvas as part of the composition.

The diversity of my subjects reflects my curiosity and the many different things that inspire me. Whether I am painting a powerful racehorse, a familiar face, or a whimsical holiday scene, I approach each with the same appreciation for light, expression, and the small details that make it unique. I am fascinated by the way light can transform an ordinary moment, how a subtle expression can reveal personality, and how an image can evoke a memory or feeling.

Ultimately, painting allows me to share the things I find beautiful, interesting, or meaningful. My hope is that viewers discover something in my work that resonates with their own experiences, whether through a familiar subject, a personal memory, or simply a feeling they cannot quite explain.