From My Toronto Studio to Your Home—Art That Captures Warmth and Connection

Welcome! I’m Leslie, a Toronto-based artist, specializing in acrylic painting of Florals, Homes, Landscapes, Pets, Wildlife, Still Lifes and People.
My work is all about capturing warmth, beauty, and connection. Take a look around and enjoy!

Leslie standing beside her artwork at a Toronto art exhibition

As a Toronto-born artist, I've always had an unstoppable passion for creativity—starting in childhood with coloring books, sketchpads, and endless doodles. Art and music were always my favourite subjects through school, laying the foundation for my creative path. While my career initially took a different direction, the creative spark never left me. After graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, I built a fulfilling career in advertising and marketing. That journey took me from Toronto to the dynamic creative world of Melbourne, Australia, where I gained incredible global experience and insight into visual storytelling.

After dedicating nearly two decades to raising my two amazing children, I felt a strong pull to return to my artistic roots. What began as a lifelong hobby evolved into a fulfilling second career as a professional painter. I believe that creativity is a lifelong companion—one that waits patiently until you're ready to embrace it fully.

To build my skills and refine my artistic voice, I began with drawing courses at the Art Gallery of Ontario. It was painting, however, that truly ignited something within me. Over the past ten years, I’ve immersed myself in techniques that breathe life and colour into each canvas. I’ve studied at Toronto’s Freehand Art School and expanded my practice through workshops with incredible mentors like Jed Dorsey, Dianna Shyne, and Aimee Erickson at Acrylic University. These learning experiences helped shape my approach to texture, light, and emotion—essentials in every pet portrait, landscape, floral, or figurative work I create.

My paintings are rooted in joy, connection, and storytelling. Whether I'm capturing the playful personality of a pet, the peaceful charm of a cottage home, or the energy of blooming florals, I work with intention to create pieces that feel personal and vibrant. Landscapes often reflect places that hold meaning—from quiet corners of Toronto to vivid scenes inspired by travel. Through every brushstroke, my goal is to preserve a feeling, a memory, a moment worth holding on to.

In addition to commissioned portraits and available originals, I also enjoy working on themed collections that reflect seasons, memories, or shared human experiences. Some of my favourite series have featured floral studies in spring, cozy Canadian homes in winter, and even abstract impressions of the Toronto skyline. Each series allows me to experiment with new techniques while exploring the emotional resonance of colour, shape, and composition.

I’m proud to be part of Toronto’s thriving art scene and participate regularly in local exhibitions, studio tours, and creative events. I'm currently a member of the Bayview Art Tour Group and the North Toronto Group of Artists—two vibrant communities that foster inspiration and connection. Meeting collectors, fellow artists, and art lovers at these events continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

  • “Whether it’s a beloved pet or a familiar street corner, I paint to preserve emotion.”

  • “Bringing Stories to Life on Canvas—One Pet Portrait and Landscape at a Time.”

  • “From My Toronto Studio to Your Home—Art That Captures Warmth and Connection.”

If you’d like to explore my available paintings, head over to the Art for Sale page, where you’ll find a curated selection of original artwork—ranging from expressive portraits to radiant florals and colourful landscapes.

Interested in something more personal? I also offer custom commissions. Whether you're dreaming of a painting that celebrates a beloved pet, a meaningful place, or a special moment, I’d be honoured to bring your vision to life. Get in touch to start the conversation—I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks so much for visiting my site. I hope my art brings you as much joy as I feel when creating it. Your support means the world to me, and I’m grateful to share this creative journey with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, or if you’d like to collaborate on something truly special.

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