Co-create A Magical Life Through Ritual And Positive Intention

 

Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.
— Leonardo da Vinci

 

After painting and drawing oysters for weeks I was able to let go and let spirit guide my hand here.

 

My creative practice embodies Leonardo’s Quote. I sometimes call Spirit My Inner Being, The Universe, or Love. I feel the connection through joy, a hunch, intuition, my senses, an emotional feeling, a knowing. I work at cultivating this connection and staying grounded and present.

Yes, I graduated from Parsons School of Design, but my connection to spirit started very early. I had an imaginative calling that made me different from my friends. Though I was awarded “Most Misunderstood” and “Class Rebel” in high school, I was just marching to the beat of my own punk rock, arty, fun Inner Being’s guidance.

 

This was me in high school. A life size self portrait. Do you see my spirit showing?

 

I disconnected from The Universe when My husband died suddenly. I lost my spark. My hopes and dreams felt obliterated. Then, by the grace of God, I had three separate people suggest that I reconnect with my spirituality. Three is the magic number, so I dove in hard. Reading book after book on spirituality and connecting with other spiritual seekers.

It took me a minute, but I’m back! Aligned with purpose and positivity and ready to rock! My life is filled with joy and meaning, and I want to share. My creative practice consists of loads of cool rituals that help me connect to the universe and co-create a life I love. Click HERE to learn about my rituals so you can connect, too.

I stir all that positive energy from the universe right into the paint and into the canvas. I paint with joy in my heart. I find the ritual is the gateway, and imagination is the transmission. I journal about what emotion I want to inspire, and often, the words go right on the canvas during the underpainting stage. This is a super exciting process when I’m working on a commission: helping clients find their images and words of joy creates ripples of uplifting energy that flow out into the world. It’s intoxicating! If you’d like to have a discovery call with me, click the button below to set up a free 20-minute chat about finding your images and words of joy for your commissioned work of art.

I’m forever grateful to my mother, who encouraged and supported my creative pursuits, enrolling me in oil painting classes and piano lessons at a young age, and whose connection to spirit has always been strong and loving. 

The Universe loves you, and so do I,
Leslie
xo

PS. Please share with one or two friends who might find my blogs helpful or interesting. Thanks for reading!



 

Feeling gratitude for you because we can navigate anything better together.

 

“If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces.”
― Shane Koyczan

 

Everything is coming up oysters in my studio with the  “Jeweled Oysters” series.

 

Connecting with so many inspiring and kind souls during the Studio Tour SOMA was truly uplifting. In times when things can feel uncertain, it’s heartening to be reminded of the goodness and love that surrounds us. I’m rooting for your highest and happiest self, no matter what. A single bright, inspiring painting has the power to turn our hearts toward hope and new possibilities. We are more resilient than we often realize, and together, we can navigate anything. Hang in there—we’ve got this!

 

Thank you, Natalie Farrel, for being our platinum sponsor and for starting your Wild  Cherry Art collection!

 

I was honored to have guest artist Sandra Charlap showcasing her beautiful work in my home. Plus, on Warren Court in South Orange, seven of us came together to create a stunning studio tour enclave. What a wonderful gathering of talent and creativity!

 
 

Thank you so much to everyone who visited my studio during the Studio Tour SOMA. Your support truly means the world to me! It was such a rewarding experience to be part of this vibrant community of artists and art lovers. I had the pleasure of meeting new friends and reconnecting with so many familiar faces. The gallery and studio looked amazing, and I’m thrilled that so many new pieces of Wild Cherry Art are now out in the world! Isn't that exciting?

Email me if you’d like to come for a studio visit. I’d love to spend some time with you talking about hope and possibilities.

With gratitude and love,
Leslie
xo

 

Fantastic news, you didn't miss it. It's this Saturday and Sunday!

 

“Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.”
– Julia Cameron

November 2nd & 3rd,
Saturday & Sunday, 11am to 5pm

7 Artists on Warren Court in South Orange

Join me and guest artist Sandra Charlap for a fabulous weekend at the Studio Tour SOMA this Saturday and Sunday, November 2nd and 3rd, from 11 AM to 5 PM! Be a part of this vibrant annual community event and explore the creative magic happening inside local artists’ studios. It’s the perfect chance to find unique gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping. Don’t miss out on the fun!

FIVE additional artists are showing on my small block, Warren Court, in South Orange. Make it your first stop, get a map of the tour, have a spiked cider, sip, shop, and socialize. I’m expecting you. It’ll be a party!

Artists on Warren Court:
Leslie Goldman, Wild Cherry Art
Sandra Charlap
Sybil Archibald
Wendy Bellermman
Elan Harris
Ben Salmon
Fred Courts

I’ll share the work I created in France inspired by my photographs taken at Les Antiquaires, my new favorite restaurant in Paris. Nestled in the St. Germain neighborhood, the scene is lively, with delightful servers and top-notch food. Just as I feel life is like a bowl of cherries with the pits, stems and sweet beautiful fruit—oysters, like life, can be challenging, and also offer amazing deliciousness.

The Preview pARTy was fantastic! IYKYK! The theme of the show, “The World is Your Oyster,” inspired the costumes for the band and me. New and old friends celebrated and enjoyed Art, Music, Halloween, and fun.

I’m super excited to see you this weekend at my studio on Warren Court in South Orange. We’ll have a blast!

Love,
Leslie

 

Save the party date and find out what happened in Paris

 

“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate sourvenir is a broader perspective.”
― Rick Steves

 

Painting for two weeks at the NG Arts Creative Residency was a dream come true!

 

I’ll give you all the juicy details of my incredible month in France after you mark your calendar for the

Wild Cherry Halloween pARTy
October 26th, from 7pm till 11pm

Come celebrate with me, have a drink and a snack, and preview the work I created in France before the Studio Tour the following week. I’ll play a short set with my band, The Love Drops. A prize will be given for the best costume. It will be spooktacular. RSVP HERE for the rest of the info! It’s going to be so fun!

 

Sandra Charlap and I getting our drink on before our overnight flight to Paris.

 

Newark Airport was a great place to start my adventure and this epic tale. It’s a mere 20 minutes from my house. I headed out with the amazing artist Sandra Charlap to board our Premium Class French Bee flight to Paris. Oooh La La! I packed all my canvases in my large suitcase, with all my clothes nestled between them, popped in an Apple Airtag, and crossed my fingers that I’d see everything in Paris.

Arriving in Orly on Thursday, September 28th, went smoothly. Sandra and I, with the help of my longtime friend and show cohort, Andi Ipaktchi, spent the next four days buying paint, large paper, and some other art materials. We spent one afternoon visiting the Vuitton Foundation. We saw the most extraordinary Elseworth Kelley show and a smaller version of the Matisse show, “The Red Studio,” that I saw at MOMA last year. Sandra and I were on a mission and marched to the Sennelier shop, Chauvin, a Pearl Paint-esque art supply shop, and ultimately bought most of our materials at BVH, the giant French department store in Les Marais. You can buy your paint, canvas, wine, cheese, furniture, evening gowns, lingerie, makeup, and even stay the night with luxury accommodations in the penthouse hotel. The French are amazing.

Sandra and I spent a lovely evening on the left bank and stopped for a fantastic dinner with cocktails, oysters, shrimp, cockles, duck breast, roast chicken, wine, and so much fun. In fact, it was so magical and beautiful that I used the pictures I took that night at Les Antiquaires for all my inspiration at the artist residency. Here are a few of those pictures:

The High-speed train whisked us from Paris to Provence in two and a half hours to The NG Arts Creative Residency. Tucked away in a rural setting on private grounds, the Residency is a perfectly restored 17th-century olive mill steps from the picturesque village of Maussane. The homestead is enchanting, the studio is spacious and filled with possibilities, and the gardens are magical and inspiring. I just stepped into a Merchant Ivory film! Our lovely host, Nicky Ginsberg, filled the giant cook’s kitchen with a bounty of beautiful fruits and fresh vegetables. Gorgeous copper pots and terracotta bakeware were readily available for our cooking needs. We took short trips to the different markets and sampled the tastes and treasures of the region. The wine was flowing for lunch and dinner. I drank more delicious rosé that month than I had in my entire life! It was a total immersion in the wonders of Provence.  

The time spent painting was a joy. I was showing up to the easel with inspiration flowing like the wine at my previous meal, totally in the zone. Pushing myself to try something new, I accomplished what I had set out to do with relative ease. Although oysters are a magical, beautiful, and delicious delight, they offer some challenges when trying to capture them visually. After two weeks, I had figured it out.

Leaving the Residency I carried not only a new body of work but also a wealth of inspiration and newly forged relationships. This chapter of my artistic journey served as a reminder of the transformative power of art and community, encouraging me to embrace new challenges and opportunities ahead. I’m forever changed and endlessly grateful.

Tune in next time when I'll tell you all about my show!

Love,
Leslie

 

Have you been with me since the beginning of this wild adventure?.

 

I realized last week that I have been publishing a blog twice a month for four years. I learned that you should start before you’re ready, practice makes better, and I don’t need any freaking AI! I’m republishing the entire first blog because it was pretty good right out of the gate. I still use the practice I explain below, and miracles happen when I’m consistent with it. I greatly appreciate you for reading, and I hope you will continue to follow me here because social media sucks. META, which is Facebook, has disabled my account by limiting my ability to post, comment, follow, share, create events, or accept new friends. Email me if you want to know what’s up, and please share my blog with your friends and family. I’m super excited for my residency in France next month and I don’t want you to miss a thing!

 

“People who have the capacity to lean fully into joy have one variable in common: They practice gratitude.”
–Brené Brown, Ph.D.

 
I’m not saying that you need to drink to feel gratitude! I am grateful that this commission has led to a whole series of paintings, lots of positive responses, several more sales and now prints!

I’m not saying that you need to drink to feel gratitude! I am grateful that this commission has led to a whole series of paintings, lots of positive responses, several more sales and now prints!

 

If you want to feel more joy in your daily life practicing gratitude can get you there. It is one of the most powerful practices I use to keep me feeling positive and happy. Even in the midst of tremendous challenges, gratitude can help you see the light. I started by keeping a small notebook by the side of my bed and writing about three things that went well that day. Even on a day that I didn’t feel very accomplished, I could find three things that went well. Like getting out of bed or having a conversation with a friend or washing the dishes. If you are new to practicing gratitude this is a great place to start.

 
I'm grateful for this commission from my beloved collector, Rosa Pellicer. She's a beautiful soul and I feel a deep connection to her. I'm happy to create artwork that inspires her and others to live with joy and wonder.r.

I'm grateful for this commission from my beloved collector, Rosa Pellicer. She's a beautiful soul and I feel a deep connection to her. I'm happy to create artwork that inspires her and others to live with joy and wonder.r.

 

My practice has changed over time. Now I use May MacCarthy’s Gratitude formula. It has taken my practice to the next level. It helps me move through places when I feel stuck and it helps with manifesting things in my life that I desire. 

All you need is a dedicated notebook, something to write with, and your imagination. This is how you do it:

  • Listen to or read something uplifting for 10 minutes

  • Write a letter to whatever your higher power is for things in your life that you want to improve or manifest

  • Hit all the major areas; relationships, finances, fun, health, connection to your higher power, and anything else you are looking to improve.

  • Write about each one as if it is just the way you want it to be and you are grateful. Example: Dear Universe, I am so grateful that my relationships with my children are harmonious and joyful. We respect and support each other without judgment. We enjoy spending time together and have wonderful open conversations. I feel so much love for them and from them.

  • When you are finished writing, read it out loud with a lot of emotion.

  • Then spend 10 minutes meditating or imaging how wonderful it feels now that it is all as you want it to be

  • During the day, look for guidance or follow your intuition when things pop up that will help you fulfill your desires.

  • At the end of the day notice all the things that occurred to get you closer to your desired goals, feel gratitude for them, and thank your higher power for guiding you.

  • Repeat daily.

 
I am grateful to Theresa Pettersen-Chu for purchasing this painting when I shifted from a graphic design business to fine art. She believed in me and started the ball rolling on my thriving new business.

I am grateful to Theresa Pettersen-Chu for purchasing this painting when I shifted from a graphic design business to fine art. She believed in me and started the ball rolling on my thriving new business.

 

If you are on the fence about this, I challenge you to try this method and just see what happens. You never know, you might just manifest the life of your dreams. If you give it a try, please let me know how it goes.

With love and gratitude,
Leslie





 

I'll tell you how to triumph over a possible flesh-eating bacteria.

 

“To spread love, healing, peace, and joy is my mission in life—and so I speak up.”
—India Arie

 

My birthday party was super fantastic complete with awesome boyfriend, loving friends, beautiful children, live band, and oyster truck!

 

Yes, my life is magical. Yes, I'm going to France. Yes, I am in Love. I also just hit a milestone birthday, had a fantastic celebration, and felt loved and adored. I’m so grateful for all the abundance in my life. Now, I am recovering from shingles. I've been on a rollercoaster of exciting events and thrilling opportunities, and my body is now screaming for me to slow down.

If you haven't had shingles, get the vaccine NOW! It's pretty horrible. At first, I thought it was a couple of mosquito bites on my thigh from working in the garden. The following day, I realized it wasn't mosquito bites because it was sore and looked like it was spreading. Maybe it was a series of spider bites. By the next evening, I was speeding to Urgent Care because I thought either I had a flesh-eating bacteria or something was propagating beneath my skin, and they'd find nothing left of me other than a few crumbs on my bedsheets in the morning. I had a horrible blistering rash that was enflamed, painful, rather disgusting, and spreading like wildfire. The diagnosis of Shingles was actually a relief. I was put on a round of antiviral pills, three a day for seven days, that were navy blue and the size of a Fava bean. Also, the strongest course of steroids I've ever taken to avoid permanent nerve damage and neuropathy. I'm feeling much better.

 

First big oyster is underway and filled with possibilities.

 

It's incredible how healing good friends, meaningful work, loads of fun, and lotsa love can be. I'm taking it slow and getting things done. Preparing for my trip to France, painting, making music, working in my beautiful garden, and watching baseball will get me through the Summer with ease.

I do have a couple of events that I’m participating in but I’m not running the show so it’s easy peasy. Meet me at my next appearance during the opening of the Studio Montclair show:

STATE OF THE ART

Opening Reception: Friday, July 12, 2024 ( 6–8pm) 
Exhibit Dates: July 12 through August 16, 2024 
Leach Gallery, 641 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ. 

 

Tequila Summer 10 x 10 inches Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas. $650. It’s fun in a glass.!

 

I'd love to see you and show you my latest work, so make an appointment now, right here to visit me in my studio. Afterward, we can have refreshments in the garden or enjoy the air conditioning because life is magical. Stay cool, have fun, and if you're over 50 GET YOUR SHINGLES VACCINE!

Love you,
Leslie










 

Abracadabra, And Just Like Magic, I’m Heading to Paris!

 

“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

Andi and I met when we attended Parson’s School of Design in New York City. She went to Paris to study and never returned! Now we’re teaming up and having a show in her neck of the woods.

 

Remember, as a kid, how you fantasized about creating a remarkable life filled with exciting possibilities? I hope you're living yours. As for me, I'm living my dreams of becoming an artist and a rockstar. I encourage you to go for it. You get one chance–make it count!

Abracadabra is from the Aramaic phrase avra kehdabra, meaning “I will create as I speak.” I’m speaking about my desires and possibilities. Many things that I thought were beyond my grasp are coming into being—like traveling to somewhere beautiful for an artist's residency. I have several artist friends who have recommended residencies they've attended. Most were either very expensive or very competitive. But I kept asking myself, "Why not me?" I started researching and imagining an incredibly expansive experience. Out of the blue, my artist friend, Sandra Charlap, asked me to meet with her, and she invited me to join her on a retreat at the NG Art Creative Residency in Provence. This prestigious residency offers a breathtaking environment, a 17th-century Provençal olive mill nestled in the foothills of the stunning Alpilles mountains. I filled out the application, had the interview, and guess what? I'm heading to the South of France in September with Sandra to deepen my creative practice at this spectacular program. Check out the incredible digs. Click through to see where we’ll be staying:

After I complete the residency, I will be high-speed training back to Paris for a show with my long-time artist friend, Andi Ikpatchki. The Show, entitled "The World is Your Oyster," opens Thursday, September 19th, at the Galerie Roshana, 120 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris.

Meet me in Paris and attend my opening. It's an absolute dream come true–just like magic. I can't wait to share this incredible opportunity with you. Anything can happen if you believe. Stay focused on the life you want to live and manifest all the wondrous experiences waiting for you. Go get yours! It's probably in Paris in September!

Let me know if you want to meet up before I head to Paris for some summer fun! See you soon.

Love,
Leslie

 

Mark your calendar right now so you don't miss my next exciting event.

 

“Show up every moment like you’re fully meant to be there.”
—Marie Forleo

 

If you came to the Warren Court Art Walk, I hope you saw my set with guest drummer extraordinaire, Brandon Loikits. Lods of gratitude for Phil Cohen on bass and Stuart Klinger on lead guitar who made me sound good!

 

The Warren Court Art Walk was freaking awesome; if you missed it, you might want to kick yourself and remember to look for it Spring 2025! If you can't stop thinking about a piece you saw, or want another opportunity to talk to me or see more work, schedule a studio visit with me here

Now, put my next opening on your calendar and show up. It's at a gorgeous Library, and I have several pieces that will stand with work by eight other exceptional Studio Tour SOMA artists.

 
 

The Library of the Chathams

214 Main Street, Chatham, NJ
Opening Reception—June 2, 2024 from 2-4pm
The show runs the entire month of June, 2024

Participating Artists:
Wendy Bellermann
Leslie Goldman
Denise Hardie Fine Art
Jennifer Mac Blain Malone
Jeremy Moss
Maria Savidis Markatos
Ken Stanek
Jill Vondervor
Allan Wood

Hope to see you real soon. You know where to find me.

Love,
Leslie
xo

 

Trapped to Triumph. How to get there with art and hope.

 

“If you build it, he will come.”
—Ray Liotta in Field of Dreams

 
 

The Story of The Warren Court Art Walk

Three artists, a pandemic, and hope!

Four years ago, Sybil Archibald, Wendy Bellermann, and I found ourselves trapped at home, missing the vibrant energy of our art community. We decided to take matters into our own hands, and the Warren Court Art Walk was born! With the generous support of our neighbors, we transformed their lawns into art galleries, inviting 18 exceptional artists to showcase their work on one beautiful block.

The morning of the art walk dawned a clear and beautiful day, but we had no idea what to expect. Would anyone come? Would artists sell their work? Well the answer was yes and YES! The community came out in droves, armed with masks. People reconnected with their neighbors and friends. The art was captivating. It was a magical resounding success! 

Now in it's 4th year, boasting 25 artists, food, and music, the Warren Court Art Walk has become a beloved community event! You must come celebrate with us! There'll be deomnstrations, raffles, margaritas, and I will be performing a short set of original music Saturday afternoon. Its gonna be a pARTy! 

May 11th and 12th from 11am-5pm, Warren Court, South Orange, NJ. In the heart of the beautiful Montrose Park Historic District.

See you soon! Love,
Leslie
xo

 

Come party with me!

 

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
—Mae West

 

During the opening show at the Pierro Gallery I stood next to my portrait of Carol Lane, “Behind The Lens.” Carol was a wonderful photographer and terrific person I met through Studio Montclair.

 

Saturday night, we blew the roof off the brand-new Baird Center during the grand reopening of the Pierro Gallery of South Orange, New Jersey. The place was packed to the gunwales! I'm honored and humbled that my painting hangs with the work of other incredibly talented artists in the show. 

Our mayor, Sheena Cullum, was there along with Judy Wukitsch, who co-founded the gallery in 2001 with her late husband, Lennie Pierro. Pierro was a fine artist and longtime South Orange resident. He sought to create a cooperative effort between fine artists and the town. The celebration continued upstairs to the cafe, where a jazz band entertained as folks enjoyed a fantastic spread of food and drink. The entire building has been reimagined and updated beautifully. The evening was a wonderful and vibrant celebration of South Orange, our community, and our artists. The gallery is state-of-the-art, and it's spectacular. The show is running through June 12th, go see it!

I have so many wonderful events coming up. Come party with me at all of them. And reach out here to meet me at any of the galleries and I’ll show you around. Life is short, lets have fun!

  • THIS WEEKEND!!!
    THE ART OF COMMUNITY #1
    Sunday, April, 28th, 3pm – 6pm
    488 Summit AvenueSouth Orange, NJ, 07079

  • THE WARREN COURT ART WALK
    Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th 11:00am – 5:00pm.
    36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079

  • THE CHATHAM LIBRARY SOMA STUDIO TOUR ARTISTS SHOW
    Opening reception, June 9th 2:15 – 4pm.
    214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928

  • PAINTERS IN THE PARK
    Saturday, May 18th, 10am – 3pm
    Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ, 07040

  • THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER
    Opening reception, September 19th 7pm – 9pm.
     Gallery Roshana, 120 rue de la Boétie 75008

  • WILD CHERRY ART PARTY
    Saturday, Oct 26, 2024, get on the A-list for the information

Stay tuned, more to come! Make sure you’re on the Wild Cherry Art mailing list so you don’t miss a beat!

 

Own a spectacular work of original art and see your investment skyrocket

 

"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."
— Stella Adler

 

Above is a small sampling of Wild Cherry Art pieces that live in permanent homes across the globe and will increase in value!

 

Do you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art? I am thrilled to tell you its value will increase this Fall! So far, I'm participating in nine shows this year. I'm creating so much new work that I can feel myself growing! I'm grateful that my collector list is rapidly expanding. After I attend the residency in France this September, followed by a show in Paris, the prices of Wild Cherry Art will go up.

Why now? Demand has increased, and the cost of everything has nearly tripled. The silver lining is that this is excellent news if you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art. If you've been thinking about purchasing a painting, now would be a great time to buy. You'll own a spectacular new work of art, and your investment will grow automatically in October 2024. Make an appointment to meet me in my studio by clicking the button below.

I'll honor my current commission fees, but they will increase after October as well, so if budget is on your mind, make the appointment for a discovery call right now to discuss your dream project!

See you soon,
Leslie
xo

Check out all of my upcoming events! Meet me at the Openings:

🍒 PIERRO GALLERY Spring ‘24 EXHIBITION

OPENING RECEPTION

Wednesday, April 17th, 6:30-8:30pm
5 Mead Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Wednesday, April 17, through Wednesday, June 12, 2024,


🍒 THE ART OF COMMUNITY

ARTIST SALON SERIES #1

Sunday, April 28, 3:00pm — 6:00pm
488 Summit Avenue, Maplewood, 07040


🍒 WARREN COURT ART WALK

Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th, 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079


🍒 CHATHAM LIBRARY SHOW

OPENING RECEPTION

June 9th 2:15—4pm.
The Chatham Library, 214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928
Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, 10:00 AM—5:00 PM


🍒 THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

OPENING RECEPTION

Thursday, September 19th 6pm—9pm
Galerie Roshana, 120 Rue de la Boétie, 75008 Paris
Thursday, September 19, through Sunday, September 22, 2024


🍒 WILD CHERRY ART PARTY

Saturday, October 26th—RSVP for details


🍒 STUDIO TOUR SOMA

Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, 11 AM—5:00 PM
Wild Cherry Art (map) and throughout South Orange and Maplewood, NJ



 

Want to conjure a world of possibilities and pearls of wisdom?

 
 

The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value.”
― Susan C. Young

 
 

First stop in New Orleans was the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. Andrew and I met up with my friend, Devra Dedeaux for cocktails and oysters.

 

This year is shaping up to be off-the-chart stupendous! My trip to New Orleans was sensational. I introduced NOLA to my boyfriend, Andrew, and we did everything and more. One of my favorite things about NOLA are the oysters. For over 30 years, I’ve been collecting oyster photos with a plan to create a series of Oyster paintings, and after this latest trip, I’m finally ready to start! I’m excited to focus on a subject I have loved and enjoyed for so long, which conjures a world of possibilities and magical transformation. After all, the world is your oyster, filled with pearls of wisdom. I will present the first oyster paintings at the Warren Court Art Walk on Mother’s Day weekend.

Click the button below and head to my events page to see all the fun things I’ve got coming up. Meet me at the opening of the Pierro Gallery show in April and the Chatham Library show in June. If you’re planning that trip to Europe, make sure you plan your visit to Paris around my two-woman show at the beautiful Gallery Roshana, mere steps off the Champs Elysees opening September 19th! Check out Andi Ipacktchi's work. She’s my cohort in Paris.

I’ll be attending the NG Artist Residency in Provence for two weeks before my Paris show. I’m thrilled to be going with my art buddy, Sandra Charlap. When I return from Paris I’ll be prepping for my Wild Cherry Art Halloween pARTy, and I’ll wrap up the year with our beloved Studio Tour SOMA. Go to my website now and get on my A-list to learn about all my events, times, and locations. Don’t miss any of the fun!

See you soon!
Love,
Leslie

 

Would you like to co-create a masterpiece for yourself?

 
 

“A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.”
—Hedy Lamarr

 

Click on the image to read the article.

"Canvas Rebel" interviewed me for their magazine. Their first question was, "What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?” Hands down, my most meaningful projects are commissions. I walk my clients through an in-depth process to create a canvas filled with layer upon layer of artful alchemy infused with my client's joys, hopes, and dreams. The reaction of every client has been priceless. They are overwhelmed and often moved to tears of joy. I'm grateful to be trusted with their most precious feelings. This is the best and most fulfilling work I've ever done.

My client, seen here, is adding a secret note to her husband. This adds to the meaning of the piece.

One example was a surprise anniversary commission. My client wanted me to create something special for her husband. He mentioned a sketch I posted on Facebook of a Rickenbacher 4001 bass. He told her that this was his very first guitar. When we started discussing the project, I asked her how many bands her husband played in because I thought putting all the band names around the guitar would make it more meaningful and personal to him. The whole family helped get me intel by asking him one evening at dinner to share all the names of the bands he'd been in over the years. His wife came over and painted a private note to him in the underpainting. She shared his Spotify playlist with me, which I always ask for. It helps me to get into their specific zone. This was the first time I had an extensive listening experience with the band Dream Theater. Ultimately, when my client revealed her surprise gift, her husband was utterly overwhelmed. Priceless.

Here is the almost final painting with names of all the bands he was in as well as some secret additions to make it more meaningful.

If you'd like to schedule a free 15-minute information session to learn about co-creating a commissioned piece of transformational art, click the button.

I hope to see you soon. Wishing you and yours a fabulous February!
Love,
Leslie
xo

 

What color's all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul?

 

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
—Wassily Kandinsky

 

In the ‘80s I wore lots of dayglow and bright colors. Even thought I’m wearing a baby pink leather jacket, I was bold color forward!

 

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is the color for 2024. Pantone's website says Peach Fuzz "captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety, gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul." This sounds great. I love to nurture, and I love the idea of enriching my mind, body, and soul, but this color feels to me like a boring '80s flashback. I have noticed that many brands are embracing colors with an '80s vibe, so this is happening, like it or not. Will we all be feathering our hair and wearing leg warmers? Time will tell.

As for my artwork, peach doesn't speak to me. I love bold, bright, saturated colors. I also know contrast provides interest, and peach doesn't add contrast. It tends to soften things. Should I explore my softer creative side? What do you think? Unless I get an overwhelming response from the Universe, I'll stick with my bold colors. And if I have to go back to the '80s, I'm going in fluorescent!

 
 

Here are a few examples of my acrylic paintings; as you can see, they are vibrant with bold colors and lots of contrast. See them in person. Click the button to set up a studio visit. I'd love to show you how vibrant they are in real life. I'd also love to have a chat and catch up.

Stay warm and wonderful.

Love,
Leslie




 

Did you know, if you had fun you won?

 

“Having fun is not a diversion from a successful life; it is the pathway to it.”
— Martha N. Beck

 

Start the year with a splash of Wild Cherry Art. You’ve already won, because it’s fun!

 

Happy New Year! 2024 is looking brighter than ever. We are already heading out of the darkness and back into the light. Day by day, we get a few more minutes of sunshine. I hope your holidays were filled with love and laughter, and now you're all refreshed and revved up for a spectacular year!

 

Here I’m having brunch at Antoine’s, the oldest family-run business in the United States, nestled in the French Quarter. If you haven’t been, you need to eat here. Before you go to NOLA, hit me up and I’ll give you a list for everything!

 

I've got plans to head back to New Orleans in January. You know it's one of my all-time favorite cities. The magic of NOLA is palpable. Visiting the Big Easy always feels like a recharge. Meet me there, and we'll get oysters! I'll gather more inspo for paintings and new original music. It's effortless to be excited and inspired by the incredible southern hospitality mixed with decadent food, fantastic live music everywhere, steamy weather, go cups, European architecture, fascinating history, and bars that never close. It's SO fun!

 

Let’s have more fun this year! In 2023 I had lotsa fun at a wooden shoe factory in Holland.

 

That's my word for the year—FUN! If it doesn't feel a smidge fun, I have difficulty even getting started. I believe fun is the secret sauce that helps us accomplish more, with ease and joy. So maybe when you're feeling stuck this year, try a more playful approach to your challenges. A childlike perspective can restore wonder to your problems and hope for the outcome. Don't forget—"If you had fun, you won!"

If you need more ways to add fun to your life, visit me in the studio, and I'll help you get the party started!

Wishing you and yours an abundance of blissful blessings and loads of fun in 2024.

Love,
Leslie
xo

 

How about giving something uplifting, uniquely crafted, and meaningful?

 

“Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind.”
—Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street

 
 

The Wild Cherry Art Holiday open house was super fun! It was cold and dreary outside and warm and wonderful inside. Sadra Charlap, guest artist extraordinaire, and I were grateful to share so many laughs, smiles, and sparkles with everyone who stopped by. I don't mess around with decorations; I go all in! So it's a Wild Cherry pink winter wonderland. See for yourself; make an appointment to visit the studio for the holidays. Revel in the decor, see the new paintings, celebrate the season with me. Bring friends, and we'll make it a party! If you're looking for holiday cheer, I've got loads to share.

While you’re visiting, you can finish up your holiday shopping. I have many beautiful pieces to delight and inspire everyone on your list. We can all use something uplifting, so give your special someone a uniquely crafted and thoughtful gift. They don't need random stuff; they want meaningful things. Cherries remind us that life is filled with pits and stems and also that sweet, delicious, juicy fruit. Focus on the good stuff with a vibrant cherry painting! You can't find my work on Amazon, but you can find it here, on my website or in person.

 

Holiday Open House! This Sunday, December 3rd, 1pm–6pm. COME!

 
 
 

WILD CHERRY ART HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Join me on Sunday, December 3rd, from 1 pm till 6 pm. 
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first ten people receive a free gift. 
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. Come and celebrate with me!

 
 

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Now it's time to gear up for the season of giving. Because you're on my list, you're invited to a unique, private Holiday Open House. Everything is even more sparkling for the holidays. Join me for a nosh, a chat, and some holiday cheer. Pick up a print or a painting for a gift or yourself. I have new Cherry and Northern Lights paintings and a few new Quarantinis and Landscapes, plus Cherry and Nutcracker totes. I also offer gift certificates. A beautiful piece of ART serves as a positive catalyst for enhancing our well-being. Art has the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge and offer hope. Now that’s a meaningful gift for the person who has everything!

 

The delightful Sandra Charlap will be joining me on Sunday. Come and have fun with us!

 

Sandra Charlap will join me again and sell her beautiful paintings, mosaics, and greeting cards. We had such a great time together during the studio tour we thought we'd buddy up again. Stop by and enjoy the fun. If you're nice, I'll play you my original holiday song! And if you're naughty, I've got something for you too!

With love and gratitude,
Leslie
xo

 

What's not to be thankful for? I get mangos in January!

 
 

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
— Marcel Proust

 
 

This is a chalk painting of a pasture raised, organic turkey that created when I worked at Whole Foods painting signs.

 

As I prepare my home and pantry for the holiday, I'm connecting to all I'm thankful for: family, friends, my boyfriend, good health, extraordinary experiences, a beautiful home, a wonderful community, and all my creative gifts. I'm grateful for living in this time of indoor plumbing, heated car seats, electricity, grocery stores, pillow top mattresses, mangos in January, and everything available in this modern world. Most of us live like kings and queens. It’s an amazing time to be a human. It's also a very turbulent time in a frightening world. I get through it by focusing on the light and practicing gratitude.

This holiday feels especially powerful, and I'm grateful for my freedom and ability to help others. I volunteer at a nonprofit, the WConnection, where widows help widows rebuild their lives. This organization was instrumental in my healing journey. Right now, every donation is being doubled through a matching grant! However you give, and whatever you do to help others improves the world. It has a ripple effect. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could turn that ripple into a tsunami of love! Let's not give up until we succeed. Let’s honor our earth and each other, appreciate all we have, and give back from our hearts. Each of us can make a difference.

Wild Cherry Art holiday open house

Join me on Sunday, December, 3rd from 1pm till 6pm.
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first 10 people receive a free gift.
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. So come and make my day!

From my table to yours, wishing you and yours an abundance of blessings this Thanksgiving.
With love and gratitude,
Leslie

 

Do you want an exciting behind-the-scenes special date?

 
 

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
— Mary Lou Cook

 
 

The amazing winners of the costume contest, Kyle Huntsberry of Milk Honey Soul and Joey Huntsberry won a Limited Edition Wild Cherry Art Giclee print, “The Monster Lies Within.”

 

You know how it is when you focus on accomplishing something big? You have a lot of balls in the air and want to keep them all spinning. Well, this week is one of those weeks for me. It's the culmination of months of work. This past Saturday night, I hosted my SOMA Artists Studio Tour Preview pARTy, which was spooktackular! The art was on display, the band rocked the house with eight new songs, the costumes were poppin', and the cocktails had 'em droppin'!

 
 

Tonight is the opening reception of "Unveiled," a curated show of more than 50 artists participating in this year's Studio Tour. Meet the artists and see a sampling of their work to help you decide whose studios you'd like to visit on Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see you there.

 
 

Then, the big finale is the 20th Anniversary SOMA Artists Studio Tour. I'll be hosting the incredibly talented and super fun Sandra Charlap at my studio. Visit us both and see our new work, buy a painting to expand or start your collection, or pick up a special gift for someone. We'll have a drink, a nosh, and enjoy catching up with you. There will be five additional artists to visit on Warren Court: Sybil Archibald, Jay Pingree, Wendy Bellerman, Christopher Boudewyns, and Fred Courts. So make sure to put Warren Court on your "must-stop" list!

 

We were a band of circus performers and we entertained the crowd at the pARTy. Stuart Klinger (the lion, on guitar) I (the ringmaster) played rhythm guitar and sang, Glenn Healy (the strongman) on drums, and Phil Cohen (the clown) on bass. We rocked!

 

Come spend some time with me in the studio. Click the button below and make a date with me! I'll show you the new collections, heck, I'll show you all the collections! You can get a special private behind-the-scenes look, and I'll play and sing you a song. I'm looking forward to getting together.

See you real soon.
Love,
Leslie

 

RSVP now for Saturday night so you don't miss all the fun!

 
 

“Life is a party. Dress for it.”
―Audrey Hepburn

Small seasonal Chalk pastel.

 

If you’re coming to the party and you haven’t RSVP’d, do it right now! There are only a few spots left and I don’t want you to miss out on the fun. I’m figuring out how much booze to buy so click the button and RSVP now! When you get confirmation you’re in!

Wild Cherry Art Preview pARTy
Saturday, October, 28, 2023
7pm – 11pm
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ

There will be a live band, a costume contest, food, fun, friends, and you! You needn’t wear a costume, but you'll have more fun if you do! First prize for the costume contest is this limited edition fine art Giclee print.

I’m so excited to see you!
love,
Leslie
xo