Loreen Leedy
From an early age Loreen spent many happy hours drawing, especially animals. After earning a degree in art from the University of Delaware, she wondered how to put her artistic skills to use. After a stint crafting jewelry and chess sets from polymer clay, she was fortunate to sign her first children’s book contract. In the decades to follow she wrote and illustrated over 45+ picture books that can be found in libraries and schools nationwide.
She now works on her mixed media fine art full time, often inspired by the flora and fauna in central Florida and beyond. In addition to her children’s books, Loreen’s art has been included in numerous exhibitions, magazines, calendars, posters, and educational products. She and her scientist husband live in Chuluota.
For local history buffs, in the 1920's her grandparents founded a small department store on the south end of Park Avenue. The Leedy’s store carried “fine fabrics, fine linens, and fine fashion,” and was a favorite destination in Winter Park for over sixty years.
Artist’s Statement
My artwork is the result of an ongoing quest to mix materials, combine colors, and explore textures in a spontaneous way. I first alter and layer photographs into digital studies before starting to draw, paint, and/or collage on canvas. The techniques used tend to vary with each new work and surprises are a welcome part of the process.
Influences
Favorite artists include Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, and Raoul Dufy.
Exhibitions
My book illustrations were included in numerous group exhibitions over the years. For a few years I made textile art that was accepted into juried shows and museum exhibitions.