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| Joan Leininger has the rare talent of capturing a magical joy , heart and spirit in her portraits. Every day i feel the warmth and wonder of her artistic gift as I pass her wonderful painting of Chauncey, my Wheaton Terrier, and me. I treasure the lifelong beauty it will give me and many others. Don Campbell musician and author of "The Mozart Effect" Don Campbell, Inc. Boulder, Co. 80306 www.mozarteffect.com Joan painted a portrait of my children that is absolutely stunning. She has a wonderful talent that allows her to capture their personalities and bring that canvas alive. Her work is incredibly beautiful. The portrait is our most prized possession in our whole house. Lora Burney Crossville, Tn. In 1987, I asked Joan if she would paint a picture of my 4 children, who's ages ranged from 14 to 25. Even though we are best friends, I knew I was asking much of her, as a year before we lost one of our daughters in a car accident.I handed over a group of snapshots that were my favorites and told her to use whatever ones she liked best. From those photos she created a beautiful and unique painting, perfectly capturing their identities in a timeless and breathtaking fashion. One never tires looking at the painting and are as exciting as they were when we first saw them. Six grandchildren and 18 yrs. later I asked her if she would do a painting of my grandchildren. As before I handed her a group of photos and told her to choose, and they were turned into a 3' x 4' likeness unparallel to any photo. She brought to the canvas each grandchild's personality, from the quirk of a half hidden smile, to the bolt uprightness of the family extrovert, the subtle placement of a hand on the hip of our fashion model to the "best friend feel of the two closest in age, to the angelic appeal of the youngest. This was a surprise for the family and their reaction was overwhelming, and even disbelief that Joan could convey through her art the closeness they feel for one and another and the strong sense of family. The grandchildren giggled with joy, some even had to touch it because it was them. Joan never disappoints. Her eye for color and drawing is always on target and is always challenging herself to new heights, which keeps her work exciting. She works in a timely manner and with deep feeling. She doesn't just paint with a brush, she paints with her heart. Marge and Mike DeSanto Rockledge, Fla. Joan Leininger's artwork are treasures! She truly captures the spirit of a person and is able to make the canvas come alive. In the portrait of my daughter and me at the same age, Joan put us together as though we were best friends. We will treasure and cherish this painting forever. Scot & Julie Shanks Crossville, Tn. |
| A Favorite of Mine When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say; I used everything you gave me." Erma Bombeck |