Leah Kohlenberg
Painter, Art Teacher, Art Organizer
Background
Before I became an artist, I was a journalist working for small daily newspapers across the US and Time Magazine in Hong Kong, helping cover the HK Handover to China in 1997. I also worked as a journalist trainer in Mongolia, Armenia and the Republic of Georgia. I didn't discover painting until I was 32 years old.
If you want to learn more about my journey from journalist to artist, check out this video created by Jonah Wafula-Card (it's 12 minutes, be prepared!)
Artist Statement
I am a realist painter but I don't want my work to be confused with a photograph. I've painted in all mediums, from watercolor to oil, but I currently work in acrylic paint. My style of painting embraces both expressionism and impressionism, and - perhaps because I was a journalist in my first career - I want my paintings to have a narrative feeling, to inspire a story when you look at it. I work with short, choppy strokes and incorporate drips into all layers in my paintings. I gravitate towards vibrant colour, but I've learned to play those colours off with beautiful neutrals, too. I want my paintings to have a sense of movement, even though it's a static moment captured on a flat surface
You can see my work here
Study with Me
For the last 15 years, I've taught art all over the world - both in-person and live-online. I believe in teaching technique before anything else - because I know that technique is the key to unlocking voice. At least, it was for me.
I'm now an online mentor artist for the Mastrius Master Artist Mentor program.