A Monhegan island vacation spurred Leslie’s return to “my art” after being away for over 30 years. There, she was inspired to buy some watercolor pencils, paper, and brushes to sketch a rusted, white iron bucket of red geraniums at the Monhegan House. She has studied with many noted New England artists.  

Leslie works in oil, acrylics, and mixed media, creating en plein air landscapes, studio paintings, and abstract pieces using monoprints, mixed media, her personal photography, and cold wax. Her awards and national recognitions include:  

 Two-month solo exhibit of New Hampshire paintings at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Conservation Center, Concord, NH in 2025. 

North Shore Arts Association Janice Turner Memorial Award for Excellence in Oil Painting, “Bridging the Merrimac,” 2022 Exhibit New England, Gloucester (MA). 

“Fort Point Channel Landmark: Boston Wharf Company” oil juried into the national 20th Frances N. Roddy Open Competition at Concord Art (MA) 

Rockport Art Association and Museum (MA), 2023 National Juried Show, mixed media painting “Winter Woods: First Snow”  

Fall Vista: Mount Lafayette (Route 42, Bethlehem, NH), Best Painting ribbon at 2025 Lynnfield Arts Spring Festival and Show (MA).  

She is a member of NHPleinAir Artists group.