Alice Leese is renowned for her landscape paintings that vividly capture the essence of ranch life, featuring cows, cowboys, windmills, wildlife, and the people of West Texas. Her expertise spans plein air, studio, and mural painting, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy. Leese’s dynamic compositions and keen eye for detail bring movement to her subjects, offering a window into both current and past landscapes.
Leese graduated from Abilene Christian University with a BFA in Studio Art. She’s a signature member of the American Plains Artists and several prestigious plein air artist groups. Her award-winning work is widely collected and is showcased in several museums and notable national exhibitions.
With forty years of dedicated practice, Leese has developed a distinct style characterized by fluidity and vibrancy, reflecting the ever-changing nature of her surroundings. Her deep connection to the land stems from her life on the YT Ranch in Winkler County, Texas, where she is part of the fourth generation working the ranch that was established by her great-grandfather in the late 1800s. She draws additional inspiration from her travels, frequent visits to Big Bend and periodic residencies in National Parks.
Leese’s paintings not only depict landscapes and ranch life but also tell stories of conservation and adaptability, emphasizing the ranchers’ role as the original environmentalists. Through her art, she continues to educate and inspire, preserving the legacy of the American West for future generations.
Statement
“My work is about place, specific locations. The work is regional to the southwest United States, particularly the YT Ranch where I live and work. Coming from a background of ranching makes conservation and stewardship of place a priority. Impressions on the landscape made by natural phenomenon and man are recorded in paint creating a record of the current environment as seen through the eyes of an artist. The land, occupants and uses for land change over regions and my landscape paintings are a record of the effects of weather conditions, droughts, rain and events like grass fires.” – Alice Leese
