leslieahd

[leslieahd]

“Thats What These Are For" is my statement piece of the show. It's about breastfeeding and how mothers are made to feel uncomfortable about nurturing their babies in public. It seems breastfeeding has become as taboo as drinking hard liquor, smoking or wearing a mink coat. Society's harsh judgement of the unacceptable, equally attacks the most natural thing women are created for (breastfeeding). Here Sam wears an 1980's Aaliyah dress and Lanvin Spiked High-heels. Her expression is priceless "what you lookin at". #figurativeart #contemporarypainting #art #artist #fashion #breastfeeding #breastfeedinginpublic (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ySuuNJ8Wf/?igshid=jqq84tynacoz

[leslieahd]

Freedom isn’t Free...and neither is Artistic Expression! I’ve learned not to take this for granted! “Safe”, oil on canvas, 40” x 40”.Today we must remember that the United States is the only country in the world that has Freedom Of Speech. This is why we honor our veterans that have protected those rights! #veteransday #freedomofspeech #freedomofexpression #artist #sacramentoartist #art #contemporaryartist @lesliedupratart (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vZc_FpEEj/?igshid=130v08jg429l9

[leslieahd]

Last night’s open studio at Leslie DuPratt’s Studio 1609 Dreher Street Sacramento. Had great conversation about censoring an artist’s voice by “Cancel Culture”!!! #sacramentoartist #art #artist #openstudio #contemporaryart @leslieduprattstudio (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4sjd83JwfO/?igshid=1qzqige8zzv8r

[leslieahd]

Thinking about Sacramento Second Saturday Art Walk will be hosting Open Studio at 1609 Dreher Street, Studio A, Sacramento. “Pensive Frida” 48” x 36”, Oil on Canvas! See you soon! #sacramentoartwalk #openstudio #artstudios #sacramentoartist #figurativeart #beautifulbizzare #art #womenpaintingwomen (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4lBVcSpEGe/?igshid=1agw3d7rekfxm

[leslieahd]

Hanging Show for coming Second Saturday 11/09/2019 with help from Tim Barrera! #art #artstudio #artshow #openstudio #sacramentoartist #artistlife #artoninstagram #contemporaryart #secondsaturdaysacramento @leslieduprattstudio (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4YO85Ip4aN/?igshid=ik5ub09jnu00

[leslieahd]

“Summer” 48” x 36”, Oil on Canvas, Halloween doesn’t always have to be scary. It can be about dressing up as your favorite Fairy Princess too! #art #contemporaryart #figurativepainting #beautifulbizzaremagazine #beautifulbizzare #fairy #artstudio #artoninstagram #artist #artistlife #womenpaintingwomen @leslieduprattart (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4S5GJMJiDg/?igshid=1a2zr9ahn7a10

[leslieahd]

Having open studio will be participating in Second Saturday Art Walk 11/09/2019 https://www.facebook.com/events/510396112849278/?ti=icl #art #oil painting #art studio #sacramentoartists #sacramentoartist (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QgvSOp9eF/?igshid=1ebn3b61ewtj5

[leslieahd]

Happy Halloween! “For Artemisia Gentileschi” 72” x 48”, Oil on Canvas. Pumpkins from “Cool Patch” Dixon CA! #halloween #oilpainting #pumpkinpatch #pumpkincarving #figurativeartist #artist #beautifulbizarre #artistsoninstagram @coolpatchpumpkins @leslieduprattart (at Midtown, Sacramento, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QJGUqpB6-/?igshid=1vflqxel9h178

[leslieahd]

Painting away preparing for next show this coming November. Will have prints of “Safe” for sale along with prints of paintings from show. Wanted to thank the communities of Davis, Dixon, Sacramento and beyond that backed me up during that ridiculous attack by Instagram and Facebook Trolls! It was great to feel the love and appreciation for my work. I will never stop painting...my brush is my sword! #art #artstudio #figurativeart #oilpainting #representationalart #painting #womenpaintingwomen #womanartist #artistsoninstagram #artistlife #sacramentoartist #artshow @leslieduprattart1609 (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3f5u6AAA3z/?igshid=1684n3w3duz55

[leslieahd]

Painting away preparing for next show this coming November. Will have prints of “Safe” for sale along with prints of paintings from show. Wanted to thank the communities of Davis, Dixon, Sacramento and beyond that backed me up during that ridiculous attack by Instagram and Facebook Trolls! It was great to feel the love and appreciation for my work. I will never stop painting...my brush is my sword! #art #artstudio #figurativeart #oilpainting #representationalart #painting #womenpaintingwomen #womanartist #artistsoninstagram #artistlife #sacramentoartist #artshow @leslieduprattart1609 (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3f5u6AAA3z/?igshid=m664uwkwvvx

[leslieahd]

For those of you that haven’t heard or understand why I decided to take down the show. I was attacked on Instagram by so called artist Aida Lizalde and her minion activist. Her premise was that Native Americans don’t dress up. Fine...what do Native Americans have to do with my show? Nothing! I used my headdress, bought from Native Americans 10 yrs prior as a crown, mixed with antique kimono and vintage 90’s lace dress. This figure was my imagination of Winter Goddess. Not a Native American! However, the stalkers who hid behind locked accounts were enthusiastic in attacking me for their presumed “cultural appropriation”. The real reason was to attack the White Woman Artist, bring her down with her paintings of fancy things! When I didn’t bend the knee they went after the Sparrow Gallery and threatened to ruin the business on Yelp! At that point I didn’t want Cynthia to endure the pressure to remove me so I did. For those of you that don’t know me. I lived in Italy for 12 years 1980 - 1992, there I modeled, did a commercial for wine. Had an exercise spot on Good Morning Roma and owned a gym of Aerobics, Bodybuilding, Karate, Kung Fu, Modern Dance and Capoeira a Brazilian marshal art. During the Gulf War, Saddam Hussein put out a hit job warning on all American business in Italy that they would be attacked. So I got a visit from Interpol the equivalent to our FBI telling me I had to close down and take down my sign. At the end of the Gulf War I reopened, many thought I had gone out of business. It is difficult to regain momentum after this in 1992 I sold the gym and returned to USA. I realize how difficult it is to have a for profit business and what it takes to create this. I wasn’t going to let them do this to Cynthia. It is difficult being taken seriously as artists let alone a woman artist. You have to deal with criticism fine, but criticism that isn’t relevant and only an Ad hominem attack is ridiculous! Aida Lizalde doesn’t paint or sculpt, she is an activist against the arts. Sacramento is very provincial, not in size, but thinking!!!!! #artistsoninstagram #artist #artgallery #artistlife #sacramentoartist #contemporaryartist #americanwomanartists #fashion (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uUd9fpE67/?igshid=2t3ajsvxurol

[leslieahd]

“Safe” 48” x 48”, oil on canvas. This is the painting that started all controversy. 2 years ago I finished it first and posted it. The model Hanna posted it as well. One of her friends, I suspect is jealous of this, decided to attack me for “cultural appropriation” at first I couldn’t believe she was serious #hannalulu94. She wouldn’t let up and the mother of Hanna gave her an explanation. After that it was in the Haggin Museum for 2 months. Fast forward to 9/13 to today 9/21 she probably saw the post for the show and is now circulating my comments from the previous year. Another artist who is having a studio tour with the Verge. Decides to join in and commenced to lecture me on why I am insensitive, privileged, oppressor and should apologize. I tell her she can dislike it, but she can’t tell me what to paint. She continues until I tell her not to contact me further. After this she must have enlisted the key board warriors to attack me. My attackers are upset that I turned of the comments. I had over 4000 profile visits in 7 days. They attacked me for having my hair braided and called me a racist, white privileged and effing old white woman. Now the painting has nothing to do with Native Americans and she is wearing an antique Japanese kimono and 90’s lace dress. The show is called “Playing Dress Up” a fantasy world I created...not Native Americans playing dress up. They tell me Native Americans don’t dress up. I agree, but they want me to apologize for something I didn’t paint. Anyway the real reason is I’m white and they do not like white people. Even the young white people that came after me don’t like white people. These millennial monsters are now part of what is called the cancel generation. They attack you in angry mob stile and get pissed off if you fight back. They only want to hear their free speech not yours. This is what our college campuses have created...Fascist! So for a week they came after me and I didn’t give in to my attackers so they went after the gallery and threatened Cynthia’s business. She said will take it down and I told her no that the whole show has to come down. They were attacking every painting and the models. (at Midtown, Sacramento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sg4EzJz4F/?igshid=mflgd5eu5yqr

[leslieahd]

“After Midnight “ 40” x 30”, oil on canvas, For my show "Playing Dress Up" I use my vintage collection of dresses and furniture to create other worldly compositions. In "After Midnight" Kim holding a raven, wears a 1920's evening dress and gothic rooster feathered capulet and leather crown next to 1918 clock. This scene is a bit reminiscent of "Sleeping Beauty" Maleficent. #art #artrealism #artist #artstudio #contemporaryart #vintage #fashion #raven #feathers @leslieduprattart (at Sparrow Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2o0LW7pJ5z/?igshid=guw659o580zf

[leslieahd]

Update on the cyber bullying. Yesterday I called the F.B.I. Cyber Bullying Unit to start my paper trail. I needed to know what steps were needed to take and what to do when this escalates. It seems this “Cancel Culture” is now the latest thing. Everyone needs to be aware that they are tightening the noose on our culture and turning you into a racist if you don’t comply with their demands. In my era we grew up with comedians like Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, Mort Sahl, Red Fox, Sam Kinison and Richard Pryor. They had great acts, they were dirty and disgusting and we loved them for it. Today Kevin Hart is canceled for a joke he did years ago. Dave Chapelle did a show for Netflix were he was making a stand;however, not like the old days he was a lot more raw. In the old days we could like or change the channel. Now the “Cancel Culture “ wants to control the content on the channel. Welcome to 1984...Orwell was right just it’s 2019. I though we would be at a more sophisticated time and place instead were clutching our pearls. When my son texted me last night concerned about these cyber bullies I realized I’m tilting at windmills and turned off the comments. I will continue paint what I want to paint and no one will stop me from doing so! I’ve posted “For Artemisia Gentileschi” 72” x 48”, oil on canvas. Artemisia (1593-c. 1656) was an Italian Baroque painter who was raped by her tutor and had to defend her honor in court. She was the first woman to be in the Accademi di Arte del Disego, know for her strong depictions of woman. “Judith Slaying Holoferns, 1614-20, gallery Uffizi, Florence Italy. Is one of my favorites. In my painting the angel of death holds a knife at a jack O’lantern with her leg bent on a huge pumpkin. This could be read as her holding decapitated head and foot on torso, but I didn’t want to show blood. The Monarch butterflies that migrates every year ending in Mexico, represent dead souls returning for day of the dead...Halloween! #art #artistlife #oilpainting #artrealism #fantasy #fashion #artemisiagentileschi #amwomenartists #womanartist #sacramentoartists #fineart #americanartcollectormagazine #artcurator #contemporaryart (at Sparrow Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mSMhrJPn9/?igshid=15j7tgiibgzxz

[leslieahd]

This was delivery day. Didn’t post it as I was exhausted with work. It has been interesting listening to these negative millennials. One has to think that their parents didn’t pay attention to them and they are desperate to be noticed. If you read their comments they all repeat the same rhetoric and are angry at me for not heeding their philosophy! I’m also now a racist for getting my hair braided. So now that I committed the crime of painting an image they find offensive due to choice of headpiece I am a racist criminal. I found the Sioux headdress elegant and regal as all the paintings except one wear some form of crown. Some of these twerp stalkers have pictures of their art work or music they’ve composed. I can only say keep your day job! #artistlife #art #artoninstagram #painting #artshow @lesliduprattart (at Sparrow Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2kp2NUJm2G/?igshid=1mhpd09filey7

[leslieahd]

“Stalking Beauty” oil on Canvas, 72” x 48”. Today I am posting another of my paintings in my show “Playing Dress Up” I’ve chosen this one about stalking as it has happened to me these past 5 days. I’ve had internet bullies that are millennials,that I don’t know, that have decided my show should be censored. Truly we are living in Orwellian Times. They have decided that my show is about “cultural appropriation”, because, I have a white girl wearing a white Native American Headdress in 2 of the paintings. She also wears a vintage Japanese kimono, but nobody said anything negative about it, only that it was beautiful. Overall it’s been very positive reviews. Just this group of millennials that think they are artist and will never have their work in reputable galleries. They haven’t seen the show or had the courage to meet me. They hide behind closed accounts and lecture me about what I’m allowed to paint so they will not be offended. They tell me to take down my post. That I should be shameful for stealing a culture. I must be on the FBI’s most wanted list. One even accused me of Colonizing Sacramento. Another attacked my Frida and decided I had used a white woman for it. I chose Carlyn for her beautiful golden eyes. She is half Mexican, but I didn’t think a model has to have the DNA to match the subject. Being an artist is not easy and being a good artist means making people react to your work, whether positive or negative, just wish the negative was coherent and not assumed righteous indignation! The show will be up till October 4th it is about vintage fashion that I’ve collected over the years; placed in sets that I created in my studio, I’ve used 8 different models. #art #artist #oilpainting #largepaintings #figurativeart #fashion #vintage #magical #womanartist #womanpaintingwomen #sacramentoartists @leslieduprattsrt (at Sparrow Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2j-V0DpZNN/?igshid=15gf2jdsmn4oj

[leslieahd]

My lovely model Ashely came by to visit her painting “Holly Golightly”. I am very fortunate to have such beautiful models willing to pose for this body of work. I will be posting each painting and hopefully the sitter will be present! #art #artrealism #artist #contemporaryart #figurativeart #fashion #vintagefashion #audryhepburn #beautifulbizzare #amwomenartists #sacramentoartists #artstudio #womanpaintingwomen @leslieduprattart (at Sparrow Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fOpqrpg1e/?igshid=ht1ga4a1mfjs