Leslie loves painting barnyard and wildlife, and especially horses and hounds--the form, expression, and action engages her. She uses photographs in interesting compositions on the canvas, intending that they are not static, but a part of the wholeness of themselves and nature. Leslie's art has evolved from very controlled to a flowing loose stroke. She starts with an under-painting of mostly transparent paint, allowing it to drip down the canvas to get an always unexpected texture before pursuing the main composition. She moved to New Bern July 2017 and immediately pursued the opportunity to become involved with her creative peers. She was featured artist in the Oriental Artists Gallery, Neuse River Artists Tour 2017. She also has shown in Bank of the Arts, and won a 3rd place award in Morehead Carolina Artists Gallery 2018, with shows in Washington, Great Falls, Leesburg and Middleburg, Va., and Oriental, Morehead City, and New Bern. Leslie attended University of Maryland as an art major.
Shawn Bradley, Woodcraft
Shawn Bradley is an established wood craftsman with over three decades of experience in the industry. Shawn’s passion for woodworking began at an early age, starting in high school. He apprenticed under John MacIntosh, continuing to hone his skills. Shawn has worked in many aspects of the industry, including cabinet and furniture making, and construction renovations. Today, he predominantly works with indigenous species by felling trees, drying, and then milling the wood, requiring time and patience. He masterfully transforms lumber into creative pieces high-lighting wood grains and live edges that showcase the natural beauty of the wood. Shawn takes great care when milling, shaping and finishing the wood he works with and his design vision and craftsmanship produces stunning results. Born at Marine Corp Air Base, Cherry Point, he has lived in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Arizona, and has now returned to North Carolina, residing in New Bern with his wife and daughter.
Janet Draper, Pastels
Janet began working in pastels 15 years ago. Her biggest influences are the Impressionists, and her favorite subjects are beaches, landscapes, and flowers. She is a member of the Coastla Pline Aire Group which has led her to discover new areas of the state. Her love of art, which began in high school, continued into her undergraduate experience as she earned a bachelor of science degree in landscape design and horticulture from North Carolina State University. She coninutes to study art on line through Patreon. She admires the work of pastel artists Terry Ludwig, Jack Richeson, and Prismacolor Neupastels. Her pastel paper, made in Germany, is acid-free and has a sanded texture in different grades. A Durham, NC, native, Janet now lives in New Bern.