Leslie Autery is a California-based artist working in soft pastel, gouache, and acrylic. Raised in California and now living among the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Los Gatos, Leslie draws endless inspiration from the landscapes around her - coastlines, lakes, mountains, and trees - as well as from her travels far beyond.

Her work combines plein air studies and studio practice to capture not just what she sees but the feeling of being fully present in each place. Whether perched on a coastal bluff with pastels or sitting in a cafe with a gouache sketchbook, Leslie is always observing and responding to the world in real time.

A lifelong creative, Leslie has painted, drawn, and practiced calligraphy and mural work for decades. Though primarily self-taught, she has enriched her practice with many classes, workshops, and countless hours in the studio. Her art has found homes in numerous private commissions and on walls of businesses and residences

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In recent years, she discovered the joy of plein air painting and has quickly fallen in love with the experience of painting on location. Alongside this, Leslie's travel sketchbooks span more than 25 years and hold memories of trips, vacations, and everyday adventures.

The 94th Landscape Exhibition marks her first formal gallery showing - a milestone she is both honored and grateful to celebrate.