Leigh Osgood

Longer View

Artist's Statement

Art is a deeply personal experience, whether you are creating, buying or simply observing. Even a simple landscape can be profoundly symbolic and spiritual, though which elements are symbolic and what meanings they hold is different for each person.

I do not expect or desire anyone to “get” my meaning out of any of my works. Any meaning on my part is much like dream interpretation – vague and personal and unintentional, usually recognized only in retrospect. My own reactions and choices in subject, color, etc. are derived from childhood memories, thoughts on passing years, changing seasons, and the power of weather. My spirituality also plays a part, for I often find myself meditating on our Creator as I contemplate and try to capture images of His works. I feel deeply blessed for the ability and opportunity to create and share my art, as well as for the privilege of living in a beautiful part of Maine. I create for my own transient needs, but still hope I have created something that speaks to you, whether reflecting your state of mind, triggering a special memory, or simply capturing the image of a place you want to revisit.

And if you think all of the above is artsy-fartsy hooey, but the paintings are alright – well, I am content with that as well.

Thank you for taking the time to show an interest in my work – may it bring you pleasure!

Very truly yours,

Leigh Osgood 2009

Artist's Biography

Ms. Osgood started her art career early in childhood, drawing frog-people on adding machine tape, any unattended paper, and the wonderful, long, white wall along the stairway. Her mother’s attempts to discourage use of this last canvas by introducing her to soap-and-water in a bucket merely resulted in her viewing the wall as a re-useable surface. Some people still think it unwise to leave her alone in a white room while in possession of crayons. This may also explain her mother’s tendency to decorate with textured wall paper.

Her training consists of middle-school art class, the influence of artistic family and friends, an occasional workshop or class, lots of books and magazines, and most of all: trial & error. She is no longer in her frog-people phase. Her preferred medium changed from crayons to graphite, charcoal, and acrylics. Then around 2003 she discovered the joys of pastels. The textured wall paper is no longer a deterrent.

Ms. Osgood’s work has been shown in a number of area shows and galleries. She is a member of Bangor Art Society and Pastel Painters of Maine. Her piece, “Watch post” won first place in the pastel category in the 2007 BAS juried show.

She currently resides in Bangor, Maine with her three cats. She has very little wall space left.

Reproductions available on-line at http://leighbutler.imagekind.com