Celebrating 250 Years of the American Spirit
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Dear Reader, As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I've been reflecting on all the different places I've experienced Independence Day over the years. As a child growing up in Washington, D.C., the Fourth of July was magical. We would watch the fireworks over the National Mall, and a few years we were even fortunate enough to watch from the White House lawn. Later, while living in Boston, I remember sitting along the Charles River as fireworks filled the sky above the music of the Boston Pops. Those are memories I'll always treasure. Years later, while living in Victoria, British Columbia, I found myself looking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, occasionally catching glimpses of fireworks bursting over American shores. Even from another country, there was something comforting about seeing those familiar celebrations in the distance. Today, I celebrate a little differently. Summer finds me at our cabin in the quiet forests of northeast Washington, where a small community gathers to enjoy one another's company and watch fireworks light up the night sky. The setting may be simpler, but the feeling is just as meaningful. Every place has celebrated in its own way, yet each has reminded me of something I deeply appreciate—the beauty of gathering together, sharing traditions, and celebrating the places we call home. Those feelings have naturally found their way into my artwork. The rodeo paintings I'm sharing today celebrate another part of America's story—one rooted in open spaces, hard work, courage, and the enduring spirit of the American West. They are a tribute to the people, landscapes, and traditions that continue to inspire me every time I pick up a brush. I hope you enjoy this collection, and wherever you're celebrating this Fourth of July, I wish you a day filled with family, friendship, gratitude, and a beautiful sky to end the evening. Happy Independence Day! Warmly, Leslie Lambert Painted by Nature. Guided by Flow. |
Watercolor 365
Dear Reader, The Saddle Shop, poured watercolor 16x20" As we settle into July, I thought I'd share a look back at everything that came to life in the studio during June. After a busy spring of exhibitions and travel, I returned to the cabin where I've been spending nearly every day in the studio. Surrounded by the quiet of the lake, the changing skies, and long summer days, I've been able to immerse myself in painting again—and it has been exactly what my creative spirit needed. June's work...
Hello Reader, One of the things I love most about being an artist is that a painting often begins in a very specific place, but once it leaves the studio it takes on a life of its own. This week, two of my paintings are on view in Idaho, each telling a different story about the places and people. The Great Escape, poured watercolor on panel, 30 x40" The Great Escape is currently on exhibit as part of the Idaho Cowgirl Congress at the Sun Valley Museum of Art in Ketchum. The exhibition brings...
Hello Reader, Last week, I wrote about the faces we remember and how the features that make us unique are often the very things that deviate from the "ideal." This week, my portrait students and I are painting a young girl. At first glance, you might think a young face would be easier to paint. After all, there are no deep wrinkles, laugh lines, weathered skin, or years of life etched into the face. The skin is smooth. The transitions are soft. The features are delicate. But in many ways,...