Jessica Leonard Painting her original piece “Hometown Hero” depicting Tiz the Law.

The Kentucky Derby is nearly upon us, just a few days away. In celebration of Saratoga bred and local; Tiz the Law’s journey to the derby and triple crown, we’ve decided to dive into the work of artist Jessica Leonard.

Jessica Leonard is a Contemporary Realist oil painter who enjoys creating complex and highly realistic paintings. Growing up in the Saratoga area, horse racing has always held an exciting part of Jessica’s summer heart. As she is evolving as an Artist she finds herself drawn to the strength and spirit of “The Sport of Kings”. Beyond that she is moved on a daily basis by the beauty of the things we are surrounded by: The sun shining through the windows catching the flecks of dust on the air; the beautiful juxtaposition of a dark foreboding sky against the dull late November leaves; the way her daughters’ hair falls like auburn silk across their rosy little cheeks. Much like how she notices the small beauties in everyday life, she strives to catch the small beauties in the paintings she creates. Many clients have said her work has captured a subject’s spirit just right. Maybe it’s because the spirit is represented as much by the tiniest detail in the eye as it is in the picture as a whole. Together all of those small moments in an image bring to life what our heart’s eye sees, but the camera neglects.

Spa Fine Art is proud to present a limited edition poster depicting Tiz the Law by artist Jessica Leonard. In celebration of this release please scroll down to read our exclusive interview with artist Jessica Leonard and learn about her process painting Tiz the Law and other modern legends.

How did you get started as an artist?

I have a degree in Fine Art from Plattsburgh State University, but after college, I had bills to pay and had to get a regularly paying job. As real-life took over I thought art was just something I did in college, being a professional artist seemed like more of a dream than anything I'd ever really be able to do. I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home mother to my 2 little girls, and as they got a bit more independent I found the ache to create creeping up inside of me. I started with gifts for friends, which lead to commissions, which led to more opportunities, and before I knew it I found myself where I am today!

Tell us about the process of making your work from start to finish.

For me, a good painting always starts with a good drawing. Once I have that foundation drawing in I know pretty quickly if the painting will be a success or not. Luckily I was a drawing concentrate in college so I spent many hours learning that skill. My painting process is different depending upon how I prime my canvas, what material I am painting on and whether or not I do an underpainting etc.

Can you explain your unique style of color mixing and how it’s different from other artists?

I'm not sure how unique it is, but when I finally got back to creating art after my long hiatus I was never really happy or confident with the results I was getting in terms of color in my paintings. So I decided to throw everything I was doing to the side and dive headfirst into intense color theory. I only allowed myself to paint using the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow along with burnt umber and white. At first, this was tedious and frustrating but now I can create almost any color I see without even thinking about it. After awhile I found the simplification of the colors on my pallet freeing. Sometimes after a long day of painting, I find myself looking out in nature and wonder in my head what colors I would use to recreate the sunset, or the billowing clouds etc. I guess that's my form of daydreaming. haha

What artist(s) inspire your process or style of art?

Gosh, there are too many to name! I am really inspired by amazing realist painters like Jeremy Lipking, Mark Carder, Renato Muccillo, and Matthew Cornell just to name a few. However, I am most inspired by the amazing artwork of the photographers that I collaborate with: Alex Evers, Jason Moran, Alex Zhang, Shawn Lachapelle and most recently for Tiz the Law's portrait, Janet Garaguso. These working relationships allow me to capture otherwise unobtainable angles and detail surfaced by the depth of knowledge these photographers have in their field.

Jessica Leonard with photographer Shawn LaChapelle and piece “Hold the Line” (Private Collection) which used Shawn LaChapelle’s photograph as reference

How has your style evolved over time?

I've always found great interest in seeing how much realism I can obtain in my paintings. Recently I have dabbled in letting some of the drawings speak in the final painting by deliberately leaving them showing. I still like to do straight up realism, but these types of paintings are fun to dive into as well.

What does the horse racing community mean to you and does it influence your art?

Growing up in the Saratoga area, horse racing has always been part of the culture of my summers. I've always been in awe of the strength and beauty of the horses, the athleticism of the jockeys, the knowledge of the trainers, and the history of the sport. Being able to highlight that in my art has been so fulfilling!

Does the Saratoga Community influence your art-making as well?

Absolutely. Saratoga is hands down my favorite town. I even painted scenes from around town for last year's "Small Works Show" at Spa Fine Art. The town makes my heart sing and my paintbrush dance! I love it when Spa Fine Art gives me the opportunity to live paint outside the gallery! I love meeting all of the people on the street and feeling the pulse of broadway in my brush.

What is your favorite thing about being a working artist?

I love creating art... even on my days off I find myself doing craft projects with my girls, now 8 & 10. Being able to do what I love day in and day out as well as the freedom to adjust my schedule to my family's needs makes it even better. The reactions I've received from clients after creating special artwork for them, or from friends whom I've made gift pieces for, it really makes me feel special. Working with the excellent highly qualified staff at Spa Fine Art is just icing on the cake. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.

How do you spend your free time outside of making art? Do you have any favorite hobbies?

I love spending time with my family. We love having movie nights, reading Harry Potter (we are on book 5!), spending the summer at our camper, and bouncing around tent camping as well. Pre-pandemic, and hopefully post-pandemic soon, we always enjoy spending time at the racetrack and a couple of date nights introducing friends to the town, restaurants, and nightlife of Saratoga Springs.