Leslie De Leon is a Texas painter whose work lives at the crossroads of borderland culture and classical Western art. Raised in South Texas near the U.S.–Mexico border, she grew up immersed in the vibrant mix of American and Mexican traditions that continue to shape her creative vision.
Her acclaimed Lotería series reimagines the beloved Latin American card game as bold, painterly oil works. By fusing cowboy iconography, family memory, and Tex-Mex heritage, De Leon transforms familiar symbols into contemporary Western narratives that resonate far beyond the borderlands. Her paintings have connected with collectors nationwide, with nearly every original from her first Lotería release finding a home across the U.S.—from California to New York.
De Leon’s practice is rooted in authenticity: painting what she knows, inspired by rodeos, Western landscapes, and cultural traditions carried through generations. Technically, she leans into vibrant color and impasto brushwork, setting graphic elements against richly textured oil surfaces. This painterly approach creates a striking contrast—at once playful, reverent, and deeply tied to heritage.
Already recognized as a rising voice in Western art, De Leon balances her studio practice with teaching, sharing her passion with students while continuing to expand her vision for the Lotería project. With each new collection, she aims not only to celebrate cultural identity but also to invite viewers to reflect on their own roots and stories.
