Painting directly from life supplies me with a method for expressing the ephemeral and sensual aspects of nature within the context of still life images. The subjects are life size cut fruits and flowers painted in an almost trompe l’oeil manner. To remove the work from any association with our technological age I strive to include in the still lifes all subjects that are not blatantly contemporary, and by using the language of realism and use of traditional methods in the execution of the work.
The objects in the paintings and in everyday context are humble, yet it is with closer observation and contemplation that within these natural objects all of the majesty of life exists. It can be felt that here, as when one gazes up into the clear night sky, the vastness and mystery of the universe can be found.

Davette Leonard is a calligrapher and artist who recently relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia to gain licensure in Art Education at the University of Mary Washington. In 2004 and 2005, while teaching Art and Art History at the Hearthstone School in Sperryville, VA., Ms. Leonard was awarded The Virginia Commission for the Arts Teacher Incentive Grant. As a member of the Washington Calligraphers Guild she was presented with the Herman Zapf Scholarship in order to study with Sheila Waters.