Leslie Chance was born in Ohio, spent her “growing-up” years in Oklahoma, and now resides in southwest Louisiana. She studied art at Cameron University, Nicholls State University, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She also acquired a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Leslie works in several media, including silkpainting, watercolor, acrylics, and mixed media. She also does photography and graphic design. Professional organizations Leslie belongs to include Silkpainters International, the Outdoor Painters Society, and Lafayette Art Association.

Leslie’s work may be found in private and corporate collections internationally. Works are also displayed at the Lafayette Art Association Gallery and in an ongoing rotating exhibit at the Heymann Center for the Performing Arts in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Leslie has received numerous awards for her work. Recent awards include Third Place at the bi-annual Silkpainters International juried show, 2002, and First Place at the Lafayette Art Association Eye of the Beholder juried show in 2004. In the spring of 2006 Leslie was one of twelve artists to participate by invitation in a multi-media exhibit at the Alex Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Recent graphic design work includes providing all illustrations, artwork, photography, cover designs, page designs, and layout of the book, Tell Me About Airplanes, published by Woodfield Press, 2004. Leslie was also named 2006 Artist of the Year for the Louisiana Library Foundation Summer Reading Program for the State Library and all public libraries in Louisiana.

Leslie also teaches fine arts workshops and facilitates retreats and workshops in arts and spirituality.

Silkpainting is the art of painting on silk cloth using paints or dyes specifically designed for this purpose. The dyes are then “set” to make the painting permanent. Silkpainting has a characteristic luster, and the colors can be very intense.

The watercolor landscapes are mostly plein air; some are painted in studio.