Shelly Leitheiser's Gallery

I change my artist statement now and then, and here is one of my most recent, based on the work I'm doing for 2 series.

My painting themes have evolved to now often focus on environmental, animal and human subjects.  I portray the chaos of nature, and threats to the environment because of my deep appreciation for our fragile planet.  My paintings reflect both the chaos and calm of nature, through the combined use of realism and abstraction.  This both energizes me and at least partially satisfies my need to be doing something positive for the environment and the world.  
Communicating these themes about the environmental and endangered animals, climate change and the need for sustainable living is very important to me. I like discussing environmental issues and painting about these themes helps create a dialogue with and among other people.  
I am devoted to painting about these issues, and creating a visual reference for people to picture these themes, rather than just reading or hearing about them.  

That said, I also enjoy painting other things; a wide variety of topics and subjects!