Leslie's paintings are inspired by her love of the outdoors, which she creates in the French impressionism "plein air" style that literally translates into "open air." And in the open air is where she spends her time painting ranch animals and rural scenery as well as the magnificent mountains of northeastern Oregon.

Her paintings, which are alive with color, often stand out from other artists because of the rich, vibrant paints that she uses. And she also tries to paint entirely from life often setting up her easel in pastures among cattle and horses with her border collie “Tiny” by her side. Even in the winter months whenever possible she drives to the site and sits in her pickup to paint.

She began her passion for painting at the age of nine because of her fascination with horses. She studied art all through school and college and in 1980 when she decided to make painting her profession, she took several workshops from well-known plein air artists.