Leggett Portraits, Costa Mesa, CA
I was encouraged to develop my artistic abilities from the age of three, when I asked my mother how to draw eyes. She explained, "Look at my eyes for a long time, and then draw what you see." What a great art lesson to start with!
As I grew up, my love for art included taking every art class available at Newport Harbor High School, including Saturday classes at Art Center and Choinard's in Los Angeles . I then graduated from Orange Coast College with an A.A. in Fine Art.
Working as a graphic artist for printers, ad agencies and typesetting studios led to the creation of Leggett Graphics in 1990, with portrait commissions as part of my business.
Portrait painting has remained my passion throughout the years. Attending portrait workshops to hone my skills, I studied with notable artists Cathey Cadieux, Richard Whitney, Burton Silverman, Chris Saper, Morgan Weistling, Jeremy Lipking, Daniel Gerhartz, David Leffel, and Rose Frantzen. These experiences have had a profound effect on the quality of my work, while expanding my enthusiasm for portraiture.
Now my art studio is called Leggett Portraits, in Costa Mesa, California. Painting portrait commissions and fine art has kept my creative abilities in top form. I am just thrilled when the finished painting is presented, and people are delighted with the results!
In addition to teaching oil painting at Gallery by Biel in Costa Mesa, I give portrait demonstrations at the Orange County Fair during the summer, exhibit at the Sawdust Winter Fantasy, and for art leagues throughout the year.
