ABOUT

THE PERFECT GIFT

I am an artist. I create leaves on canvas and wood panels, and I also paint abstract art on canvas with acrylics. I live in Gilbert, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix.

Living in the desert gives you a different perspective on leaves because there are fewer of them compared to other places. Most of the trees are “evergreen” trees that need little water and can survive the hot desert sun, but some trees were imported from higher elevations and have adapted to the low desert over the years. These trees still shed their leaves in the fall and winter and change colors, which I use.

Most of the leaves come from my neighborhood. In my area, various types of trees produce the leaves I use. The “Flowering Pear Tree” provides most of the leaves you see on my website. Another is the “Nandina Firepower” tree, which I use occasionally.

During the fall and winter months, these green leaves turn a beautiful array of red, yellow, brown, and black. 

Early in the mornings, I walk with my dog “Boo,” and we collect leaves that are ready to drop from the tree or that have just fallen. The trees are not at my house, but I have permission from the tree’s owners to collect them. I also grow and gather leaves from various places in Arizona and California. People I know bring me leaves from all over the world, which I use, but I identify all the leaves and where they are from, if not from the desert.

I have a flattening process that takes about a week. Once finished, the leaves receive a “crystal clear enamel finish.” Afterwards, I sort and inventory them for future use. I buy panels of various sizes, apply a background, and glue the finished leaves onto the board. Most of the time, I frame them; you can also purchase panels without a frame.

The art pieces are unique and make beautiful gifts. Each piece is different, numbered, dated, and signed on the back, so you know you have a “one of a kind.”

Custom framing options are available, including size, background, and choice of leaves.

Andrew