Leslie Gray

Artist's Statement: Simply described as art from my heart. I love words, color and antique typewriters. I love combining them all. I want my art to make people happy or to encourage them when they need it most. That is when I decided would rather have my art reach as many people as possible rather than just having one original piece make one person happy. This is the moment my art went from one original piece to stationary.

Artist's Bio: I grew up down the river in Anthon, Iowa. I had a couple of incredible art teachers while attending Anthon Oto school. That is where the seed was planted. After graduation I attended college for graphic design and worked for a few years designing printed products for local companies. I married my high school sweetheart and we started a family. I was a stay at home mom most of that time. We traveled to local craft fairs selling my painted projects. As the boys grew, the busier we got so my art took a back seat to football. In 2012 I lost my mom and I had nowhere to put my grief except where I was familiar. I started to paint, putting my tears, memories and pain on paper. I have been the long term sub teacher now at River Valley for 5 years. Now I get to teach my students to love their art and to use their art for good. Watercolor, ink, acrylic and papers are my medium. Whatever makes my heart happy. Add in a little saying or words from an old typewriter and that is what encompasses my art. All of my pieces are mine, none of them are perfect, in fact a lot of them usually start out looking like a mess. I love watching a mess turn into something beautiful and something that can make someone happy.

Medium: Watercolor & Mixed Media

Location for Hills Art & More: Linn Farms Hospitality in Pierson, Iowa