ABOUT THE ARTIST

Leigh B. Williams

Photograph by Rob Webb Photography, Charlotte, NC

Leigh Brigham Williams

Artist Statement

The desire to create has been a part of my make-up since I was a child. I've never met an art material that I didn't enjoy, and my studio stays well stocked. Active experimentation brings me great joy and offers me the opportunity to give expression to my visual, intellectual, and spiritual aesthetics.

My initial education and training was in oils and while I still enjoy painting in oils, the majority of my work for the past 35 years has been in acrylics and more recently in alcohol inks. I enjoy the versatility of acrylics; experimenting with various techniques to create both abstract and representational works. Alcohol inks, with their vibrancy and fluidity, offers new challenges requiring creative solutions. Applying the techniques derived from each of these mediums has allowed synthesis between the mediums; bringing about surprising and delightful results.

Whether in abstract or more representational form, I like my artwork to present the viewer with something that creates a sense of inquiry. Be it evoking wonder and awe at creation, a sense of personal being, or a remembrance, I want the viewer to be able to not only visually see, but to emotionally respond to my art.

Biography

Leigh B. Williams specializes in paintings and collaborative work and has a BA in Fine Arts from the College of William and Mary. She currently exhibits and sells her work primarily in the Southeast. Her work can be seen at her studio and on display in the Charlotte Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA), and also in It’s All About the Art and Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, NC.

Leigh delights in passing on her passion for the arts to others. She is an active member of the arts community in Charlotte, including the Guild of Charlotte Artists, and participates in and supports the work of community groups and other artists in the community. When not actively painting she teaches workshops and conducts demonstrations for both adults and children. A retired art instructor, she taught art to all grade levels, from first grade through Advanced Placement high school art. Both she and her students have won numerous Regional and National awards. Her paintings, Desert Mountains and Refreshing Waters were selected by a jury for display on billboards throughout the city for the inaugural and 10th anniversary Charlotte ArtPop program.

Leigh and her husband Dean are residents of Charlotte, NC, and have three grown children and a passel of delightful grandchildren.

I was recently chosen to have my artwork displayed on a billboard in Charlotte for the year of 2023.

Please see video below.

  • Leigh with her painting in a juried show.

  • Leigh in her studio with collectors.

  • Gallery Show.

  • Gallery Show.

  • Gallery Show.

  • Gallery purchase by Collector.

  • Gallery purchase by Collector.

  • The artist with the model at a Juried Show.

  • Presentation of a Commissioned Painting.

  • Leigh's work selected for ArtPop Billboard competition.

  • Juried show at Ciel Gallery in Charlotte.

  • Leigh's Art work on Newsstand in downtown Charlotte.

  • Visual Journaling Workshop at Local Woman's Group.

  • Leigh gives demo to Stanly Arts Guild.

  • Solo Exhibit in Albemarle, NC.

  • Leigh receiving award in Juried Show in Mint Hill, NC.

  • Teaching an Alcohol Ink workshop in the Czech Republic.

  • Participants in Visual Journaling Workshop taught by Leigh.

  • Conducting a Mixed Media Workshop.

  • Leigh displays paintings at an Art Exhibit at Winthrop University.

  • Leigh displays paintings at an Art Exhibit at Winthrop University.

  • Leigh joined community artists to make a mosaic to sell to raise money for breast cancer research.

  • Leigh donated 2 original paintings for an auction to raise money for breast cancer research.

  • Placing 2nd with "Out of Darkness II" in a Judged Show at Falling Rivers Gallery.

  • Leigh Williams demonstrating for an art guild.

  • Painting "plein air."

  • Carlton Gallery