ONLINE GALLERY
(Please note all images are shown in square format. Therefore some areas of the artwork have been cropped.)

I'm Leigh Witherell, an artist based in Florida specializing in the captivating realm of Melancholic Figurative paintings. Florida has been my home for the past 5 years, as we moved here due to my husband's work. My educational background revolves around literature, while my passion for fine art has always been a constant companion.

For many years, my art remained a deeply personal endeavor, hidden from the world's view. It was a talent unknown to most, as I never exhibited it, nor spoke of it; instead, I painted quietly and infrequently. Only my children were aware of my artistic pursuits, and it was through my example that I inspired my daughter to embrace her own artistic path. She firmly believed that I was neglecting my true passion if I didn't create, and ultimately, she was right. Tragically, it was her untimely death in a car accident on April 8, 2021 that awakened me to this truth and set me on this transformative journey.

I employ my artistic abilities as a means of therapy, aiding me in navigating the immense sorrow that has become an integral part of my existence. Remarkably, this profound grief has greatly influenced and shaped my artistic expression in unimaginable ways. Since her passing, a deep emotional void has been unveiled within me, a void that I had meticulously shielded throughout my entire life. As a result, my emotions can no longer be confined within tidy compartments. The artistic style I now possess serves as a reflection of the lens through which I perceive the world, for existing amidst this overwhelming grief feels akin to eternally draping oneself with a heavy, suffocating blanket.

How would you describe your work to someone seeing it for the first time?

I portray my work as a dialogue, seeking not just buyers but collectors. It goes beyond being a mere decorative piece for a dining room; its purpose is to evoke a profound understanding of the isolation and loneliness experienced by grieving parents. Through engaging with fellow parents in an online grief support forum, I realized that my own encounters were not unique. Inspired by this realization, I am determined to make a difference. My aim is for this work to have a strong impact and serve as an educational tool, breaking through the shroud of isolation that frequently accompanies grief..

What and which artists have influenced your work?

The impressionistic painters such as Manet, Degas, Renoir, Pissarro, and Monet have greatly shaped my artistic perspective. Their ability to capture ordinary moments in life resonates deeply with me. Interestingly, it is in these everyday moments that I feel the absence of my daughter the most, rather than during significant or rare occasions.s.

If you could collaborate with any artist past or present, who would you select and why?

If I were granted the opportunity to collaborate with anyone of my choosing, it would undoubtedly be Camille Pissarro. I greatly admire his fearless approach in addressing the pressing political and social matters of his time through his art. His relentless determination to showcase his work led him to exhibit in all eight of the influential impressionist exhibitions. I find that I share a multitude of similar inclinations with Pissarro, and studying under his guidance would have been an absolute dream come true..

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

In my forthcoming artworks, my intention is to delve into various societal groups that often perceive themselves as invisible. I aim to expand my scope and shed light on these overlooked areas, exposing society to their existence. Given the current insularity and toxicity prevalent in our world, engaging in conversations becomes increasingly imperative. I aspire to make a meaningful contribution to these dialogues.

MY TOP 5 ARTWORKS

1 - We are the Story

2 - The Artist-Self Reflection

3 - Ghost of You

4 - Sara

5 - Alli