John LeBlanc has lived practically his entire life in New England and spent many summers boating with his family along the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. From the time that he was a young boy the small town images and seasonal colors have had a lasting influence within the art that he has produced.
Attending the Art Students League was instrumental in John LeBlanc's art. Attitudes at the League were definitely geared towards the philosophy that art should be for arts sake. Exposure to the new and exciting ideas in New York City helped to enrich John's talent. He received several scholarships given by the Art Students League to students exhibiting outstanding talent.
After several years in New York, returning to Maine seemed the right thing. The ideas and techniques learned in New York needed time to develop. Working with several mediums, John strove to bring his individual vision to maturity. Maine provided the space to grow away from the pressure of the big city, as well as beauty to inspire creativity.
Things came together for John on a trip to Monhegan Island, just off the coast of Maine. Several artist friends spend time on Monhegan Island and invited him to go along. The reputation of the Island as an artists paradise is well deserved. Rocky cliffs and powerful ocean tides; the quaint village nestled along the peaceful harbor - afford unlimited subject matter for artists. The challenge of working outside under varied conditions suggested to John that he try using pastels as his medium. Working quickly and surely with pastels he was able to create many excellent pieces during that first visit, and has been back to Monhegan several times since. John considers the island a magical place, where he found the medium that helps him to express himself more fully than ever before.
Today John lives in Levant, a small town in central Maine. His studio is located in his home and is accessible for people to visit by appointment. You may contact John using the Contact link on this web site or call (207) 884-8670.