Leonard Matte is a Western Canadian artist, residing in Port Alberni, B.C. Born in 1960, he was raised in the Vancouver Lower Mainland where he spent most of his life. Always a practising artist, he has had other professions including teaching painting and drawing classes to both children and adults. From the University of British Columbia, Leonard has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Professional Teacher’s Certificate.

Leonard’s work has been widely collected in British Columbia and Alberta, with some pieces in Europe. Having had work displayed in galleries in British Columbia and Alberta, Leonard has taken part in a number of group and one man shows. In addition, twice his art has been featured on the cover of Reader’s digest Magazine; this was August 1992 (English Version) and July 1996 (French Version).

The strength of Leonard's acrylic and watercolour paintings lies in his expressive style celebrating the flow of nature through the use of broad, loose brushstrokes of vibrant colours and rich tones. He uses the wet-on-wet technique with both mediums. Strongly inspired by the Master, Emily Carr, he enjoys interpreting the spiritual interplay of sea, sky and land of the beautiful coastal regions of British Columbia.

 

Artist’s Statement

Art has two equally important stages: the first is the creative process in developing a work of art; the second is the relationship between the art and the audience, or viewer. My greatest joy is in the former; I love to paint. I love the surprises, the discoveries, the very physical nature of the medium. However, I appreciate the goal of art which is to move people at an emotional level about something of value to the artist. At this time the endless beauty of Vancouver Island is my inspiration. There is so much to see and feel in this great country.