Leigh Witherell is a passionate artist who brings deep emotions to life on canvas. In this interview, she talks about her creative journey, how personal loss changed her art, and the powerful feelings she hopes to share through her work. Leigh opens up about the way colors and brushstrokes help her express human connection, love, and grief. She also shares how traveling and exhibiting around the world have influenced her perspective. This conversation gives us a closer look at her inspirations, challenges, and the meaningful stories behind her paintings.

Leigh Witherell, born in 1969 in Denver City, Texas, USA, is an emerging contemporary Figurative Impressionist visual artist currently based in Melbourne, Florida, USA. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Witherell is best known for her compelling ability to capture scenes of human emotion through contemporary compositions, often reflecting profound and intimate moments. Witherell’s work delves into authentic intimacy and the exploration of the most private moments of the human experience. Characterized by organic, earth-tone color palettes and dynamic brushwork, her paintings often evoke deep emotional and provocative responses.

Significant projects include a series of works that portray the silent, powerful moments of interpersonal relationships and a series focused on parental grief spurred by her tragedy in 2021. The latter experience triggered a seismic shift in her personal philosophy and life goals. This new personal drive has her attention tightly focused on creating artwork that celebrates love and encourages introspection about how we approach and interact with others on a societal and personal level. Leigh Witherell has exhibited her work in several reputable venues, including the Las Laguna Art Gallery in Orange County, California, The Orlando Museum of Modern Art in Florida, Espacio CóMPLICES in Madrid, Spain, and the Eisele Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. She has also participated in the Buinho Creative Residency in Messejana, Portugal. Witherell’s works are held in numerous private collections, attesting to her rising presence in contemporary art.

1. Your work captures deeply intimate moments—what draws you to explore human emotion so profoundly?  

I love to explore human emotions and connections through deeply intimate compositions because I am drawn to the complexities of the human experience. By focusing on intimate themes, such as love, loss, joy, and sorrow, I create a space where viewers can resonate with the raw, unfiltered aspects of life. These compositions invite audiences to reflect on their own experiences and evoke empathy, fostering a sense of shared understanding and connection. Moreover, such explorations serve as a form of catharsis for me, allowing me to confront and tangibly express my own emotions. This vulnerability not only enhances the authenticity of my work but also encourages dialogue around universal themes that transcend individual differences, ultimately reinforcing the idea that art is a powerful medium for connecting people and illuminating the depth of our shared humanity.

I love to explore human emotions and connections through deeply intimate compositions because I am drawn to the complexities of the human experience.

Leigh Witherell

2.   How did your tragedy in 2021 shift your creative vision and purpose?  

The profound loss of my daughter marked a pivotal turning point in my artistic journey, reshaping both my creative vision and purpose in ways I never anticipated. Her absence stirred a deep well of emotions within me—grief, love, and longing—that transformed the way I approached my art. I found myself compelled to explore themes of vulnerability, connection, and the fragility of life, infusing my work with a raw authenticity that resonated more deeply than before. Each brushstroke became a tribute to her memory, allowing me to process my sorrow while celebrating her spirit. This experience of her death will never truly heal it has deepened my understanding of the human condition and ignited a fervent desire to connect with others through shared experiences of loss and healing, reinforcing my commitment to using art as a means of storytelling and solace.

3.  Your color palettes and brushwork evoke strong emotions—how do you approach translating feelings onto canvas?  

I believe that color plays a crucial role in life and artistic practice. For instance, warm colors like reds and oranges can convey passion, energy, or anger, while cool colors such as blues and greens often evoke calmness, sadness, or introspection I study real-world strangers to see if the colors they are wearing seem to match their expressions. By studying how color affects our lives I can create a visual language that speaks directly to the viewer’s feelings. I use bold brushstrokes to add another layer of expression, allowing me to convey movement, tension, and emotion through this technique.

For example, thick and dynamic strokes can evoke a sense of urgency or chaos, while softer, more delicate strokes might convey gentleness or vulnerability. The physicality of the application—whether it’s aggressive, rhythmic, or tender—also contributes to the emotional weight of the piece and allows the observer a glimpse into my feelings as I paint. As an artist I use color and brushwork to create a powerful synergy, inviting viewers to not just see the art but to feel my innermost experiences, ultimately fostering a deeper connection between the artwork and its audience.

4.   You’ve exhibited internationally—how have different cultural experiences influenced your work?

Exhibiting internationally has exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, ideas, and artistic practices that have profoundly influenced my work. Encountering diverse traditions and perspectives has challenged my preconceived notions about the world and encouraged me to consider new ideologies and opinions. Interacting with other artists and audiences has inspired reflection on my own identity and cultural background, prompting a reevaluation of personal themes and aesthetics. This cross-cultural exchange has not only broadened my creative horizons but also enriched my work with layers of meaning, making it more resonant and relevant in an increasingly interconnected world. I believe that exposure to differing cultures enables artists to create multifaceted pieces that celebrate diversity and foster understanding among various communities.

As an artist I use color and brushwork to create a powerful synergy, inviting viewers to not just see the art but to feel my innermost experiences, ultimately fostering a deeper connection between the artwork and its audience.

Leigh Witherell

5.  What do you hope people feel or reflect on when they engage with your paintings?  

I hope that my art will promote conversations about long-held beliefs that may or may not be relevant to that viewer today. I’d love to see my art become so important to a viewer’s journey that they talk about it long after they are no longer standing in front of it.

6.   Looking ahead, what themes or ideas are you most eager to explore in your art?  

I’m eager to explore the changing dynamics in relationships and also to make poignant and pertinent statements on today’s political environment and the censorship we are too easily allowing to become part of our day.

Leigh Witherell’s art is more than just paint on canvas—it’s a reflection of the human soul. Her ability to translate deep emotions into visual form creates a powerful connection with her audience, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences. As she continues to explore themes of relationships, societal shifts, and personal introspection, her work remains a testament to the healing power of art. Through vulnerability and expression, Leigh reminds us that art is not just about seeing—it’s about feeling. To learn more about Leigh, click the following links to visit her profile.

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