We all appreciate vivid photographs that capture a gap in time when an incredible moment can never be relived. It is not just the picture that is burned in our memory, but a feeling that is generated within that fleeting instant. Perhaps this is why we find the work of exceptional realism artists so profound.
Christopher Leeper grew up in Western Pennsylvania where warm spring evenings were filled with natural aromas, sounds of nature and nighttime lights that invoked a rather nervous, restless feeling. Instead of throwing these memories aside for the glamour of city skyscrapers and seeking new freedoms, Christopher grabbed his chance of keeping his memories alive.
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors
Leeper is a gifted realist artist that works in all mediums and has never lost sight of those tender moments. He graduated from Youngstown State University in 1988 with a BFA degree in graphic design and has focused on landscapes, flowers and people of today and yesterday. Nature does not change and this provides Leeper with the perfect background to draw an audience. Whether it is a snow covered wooded path or a narrow road leading into a small forgotten town, he is able to capture the reality that we all want to seize and remember.
During his 40-year career as an artist, Christopher has illustrated four children’s books for the Smithsonian and the African Wildlife Foundation. In addition, he has been featured in Artist’s Magazine, Watercolor Magic, and PleinAir magazine. He is a member of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University, a member of the Oil Painters of America, Ohio Plein Air Society and past president of the Ohio Watercolor Society. Today he resides in Canfield, Ohio.
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Leeper continues painting and entering juried competitions, but his real love is focused around sharing his abilities with others. A popular instructor, he teaches numerous workshops each year as well as being a member of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. If you have ever felt passionate about learning about realism painting, Leeper conducts workshops and offers classes on how to get started.
“Realism in Watermedia” by artist-author Leeper, combines fantastic, realistic art and specific teaching in mixed media, which will lead you through popular style with unique, easy-to-follow instruction. You will uncover a new range of creative possibilities for your realistic paintings by tapping into the transformative power of mixed Watermedia: watercolors, gouache, acrylics, colored pencil and pastels.
In his book, which is beautifully illustrated with step-by-step demonstrations, Leeper details how to effectively use each medium. He covers common challenges in an easy problem/solution format and uses before-and-after comparisons to dramatically illustrate improvements.
“I work with teens to adults and with beginning to advanced painters and tailor my instruction to the specific needs of the student. My instruction is about traditional, representational painting. I draw and paint along with students and offer advice on such things as materials, technique, color mixing, and design. Students can select the type of subjects that they want to paint. I also have a large library of art instruction books and magazines that are always available for extra inspiration.”
Additionally, if the student chooses and the weather allows, lessons can be done in plein air at locations like Mill Creek Park. Ten mini-demos and 3 full step-by-step demos throughout the book will gradually build readers’ skills. Look for this book on Amazon or contact him at: www.christopherleeper.com for information on other available classes, workshops and instructional materials.
Click link on below to view the digital print feature:
Portrait of Christopher Leeper-A profoundness in realism