Leslie Landers

Nola’s Irises

10″ x 8″ (private collection)

The eastern foothills of San Jose is home to a delightful iris grower managed by Nola. They have graciously hosted a group of painters from the Los Gatos Art Association each spring during peak bloom. You can visit too and you are able to order your favorite iris varieties online. If you can manage to choose amongst them.

Miramontes Afternoon

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

There are so many places to paint along the California Coastal Trail. This spot is just spot is just south of the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. In this piece, I am particularly interested in the subtle variations in the reflections as seen in the wet sand.

Salon at the Triton 2023

7/9/2023 – 8/20/2023

My painting Coastal Quiet has been selected as part of a statewide salon style 2D art competition and exhibit at the Triton Museum of Art located at Santa Clara University. I very much appreciate that the Triton Museum is hosting the exhibit. My thanks also goes to artist and educator, Cuong Nguyen in his role as the juror of show entries.

Cove at Pigeon Point

The Triton Museum or Art is located at 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 4:30.

Afternoon Windsurfers

9″ x 12″ oil on linen panel

There’s a sparkle that happens late in the afternoon. In this painting from Shoreline Park Lake in Mountain View, I have tried to capture the movement of the windsurfers and glint of the sun.

Exhibited …

2024 – Coastal Arts League “A Moment in Time”

Passage

14″ x 18″ oil on linen panel

A kayaker makes a morning journey amongst small yet towering islets in Resurrection Bay near Seward, Alaska. Summers here aren’t just popular with paddlers, there are seemingly an endless number of bald eagles, seals and whales share the scene.

Exhibited …

2024 … Coastal Arts League “A Moment in Time” (Honorable Mention)

Palm Springs Sketchbook

Spring 2023 is a stunner and it was a beautiful time to be in the blooming desert. I spent a week with friends exploring Joshua Tree, enjoying a poolside jazz event and hiking Indian Canyon Trails.

Here are watercolors from my sketchbook.


The first is a sunrise view from the hotel. The second is of a nearby historic adobe. The last two are from Indian Canyons.

I have visited the Palm Springs area many times. Still, this is only the second time I ventured into Indian Canyons which now tops my must do list in the area. The palm trees here are the only type that are native to California. There were ample spring wildflowers this year and with ample shade and water in the river it absolutely delivered on a full on oasis vibe.

I have traveled with these amazing friends each year (except for that first pandemic year) for decades so I will end here with a photo of them in Joshua Tree National Park.

Pond at Quail Hollow

8″ x 10″ Oil on linen panel

Quail Hollow Ranch Park is a fun destination for painting and experiencing rural life in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I’ve painted horses, barns and farm equipment at Quail Hollow. In this piece, I’ve turned my attention to the small pond on the property.