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Leonard Wren Biography

“Impressionism is like the blues;
it’s so basic that it touches you profoundly.” – Leonard Wren

Leonard Wren is one of today’s foremost American Impressionist painters. He works within the plien aire genre pioneered by the 19th century French artist Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, a commercial artist who abandoned his initial vocation to focus on painting. Rejecting the ideals of the highly idealized countrysides popularized by the Barbizon School, Corot chose instead to “reproduce as scrupulously as possible what I saw in front of me.” Like his innovative predecessor, Leonard is intrigued by the intimate relationships of light and color. He looks to nature and the organic character of architecture to access the truth of an image, often moving quickly when painting in order to eternalize a fleeting moment on canvas. By skillfully placing colors side by side allowing them to blend optically, he is able to capture light, color, atmosphere, and the illusion of depth exceptionally well. True to the hallmark of his genre, Leonard’s paintings are full of color and life, having a sense of controlled spontaneity and liveliness brought forth by his energetic brushwork

“Beauty need not be abandoned for a so-called more sophisticated art.” – Leonard Wren

Surprisingly, Leonard did not begin his career as a painter, but rather as a commercial artist in a way that is reminiscent of Corot’s own artistic journey. Beginning in 1964, he owned and operated a design studio where he created graphics, original logos and the like for businesses and various organizations. In the mid 1970’s, however, he became increasingly interested in the fine arts, not out dissatisfaction for his craft but rather because he was experiencing a particularly optimistic period in his life. It was at this time that he was overcome by two powerful influences that would change the course of his life and career. He became increasingly interested in the Impressionist style of painting, particularly the works of Claude Monet. He was also accepted as a student by Oklahoma City artists Richard and Edith Goetz. Leonard traveled every week for ten months to study with these two masters who helped him hone his craft. After only one year he was able to close his commercial business and focus entirely on this new endeavor. Within a few years he had established himself as a driving force in the American Impressionist community.

“If an artist truly sees the color of nature and feels its energy…
they are an Impressionist.” – Leonard Wren

Leonard’s style, while completely his own, follows in the tradition of the great Impressionists. His works are reminiscent not only of Monet and Corot, but also of Sargent, Renoir, Pissaro, Sorolla, Sisley and others. He draws his subject matter from his love of travel, particularly France, Italy, Spain, Jamaica and the varied landscapes of Washington State where he is currently resides.

 “Beauty is an emotional force, and if we find the technical means to express it,
such emotion will be felt.” – Leonard Wren

Particularly striking is Leonard’s ability to interpret the world in a way that allows the viewer to best relate to his paintings. Rather than rendering a photographically precise depiction of a scene, his loose interpretive style suspends an instant of peace and tranquility, thus leaving individual details to be interpreted by the viewer and creating a profound sense of familiarity. In addition, by including evidence of human existence in the landscape such as a quaint cottage, an old bicycle, a sidewalk café, or a path through a quiet garden, his paintings allow one to participate in the unfolding narrative. Leonard’s characteristic style will bring a unique perspective to Impressions Everlasting. When we first approached him regarding his commission, he was immediately enthusiastic about the project. He possesses a fondness for places of worship, viewing religious structures as the most spectacular form of architecture. Not only are they physical embodiments of faith, but they require the participation of a large number of individuals. From architect to stonecutter to carpenter, the construction of a Temple is the ultimate artistic endeavor. Leonard’s work is based on his assertion that art must be a pure representation of the artist’s ideas or emotions, therefore making these magnificent Temples such appropriate subject matter. Stated simply, Leonard himself says it best:

“Sharing joy is what it’s all about.”

Heaven In Fall



Tranquility

Peaceful Morning