Own a spectacular work of original art and see your investment skyrocket

 

"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."
— Stella Adler

 

Above is a small sampling of Wild Cherry Art pieces that live in permanent homes across the globe and will increase in value!

 

Do you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art? I am thrilled to tell you its value will increase this Fall! So far, I'm participating in nine shows this year. I'm creating so much new work that I can feel myself growing! I'm grateful that my collector list is rapidly expanding. After I attend the residency in France this September, followed by a show in Paris, the prices of Wild Cherry Art will go up.

Why now? Demand has increased, and the cost of everything has nearly tripled. The silver lining is that this is excellent news if you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art. If you've been thinking about purchasing a painting, now would be a great time to buy. You'll own a spectacular new work of art, and your investment will grow automatically in October 2024. Make an appointment to meet me in my studio by clicking the button below.

I'll honor my current commission fees, but they will increase after October as well, so if budget is on your mind, make the appointment for a discovery call right now to discuss your dream project!

See you soon,
Leslie
xo

Check out all of my upcoming events! Meet me at the Openings:

🍒 PIERRO GALLERY Spring ‘24 EXHIBITION

OPENING RECEPTION

Wednesday, April 17th, 6:30-8:30pm
5 Mead Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Wednesday, April 17, through Wednesday, June 12, 2024,


🍒 THE ART OF COMMUNITY

ARTIST SALON SERIES #1

Sunday, April 28, 3:00pm — 6:00pm
488 Summit Avenue, Maplewood, 07040


🍒 WARREN COURT ART WALK

Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th, 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079


🍒 CHATHAM LIBRARY SHOW

OPENING RECEPTION

June 9th 2:15—4pm.
The Chatham Library, 214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928
Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, 10:00 AM—5:00 PM


🍒 THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

OPENING RECEPTION

Thursday, September 19th 6pm—9pm
Galerie Roshana, 120 Rue de la Boétie, 75008 Paris
Thursday, September 19, through Sunday, September 22, 2024


🍒 WILD CHERRY ART PARTY

Saturday, October 26th—RSVP for details


🍒 STUDIO TOUR SOMA

Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, 11 AM—5:00 PM
Wild Cherry Art (map) and throughout South Orange and Maplewood, NJ



 

Want to conjure a world of possibilities and pearls of wisdom?

 
 

The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value.”
― Susan C. Young

 
 

First stop in New Orleans was the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. Andrew and I met up with my friend, Devra Dedeaux for cocktails and oysters.

 

This year is shaping up to be off-the-chart stupendous! My trip to New Orleans was sensational. I introduced NOLA to my boyfriend, Andrew, and we did everything and more. One of my favorite things about NOLA are the oysters. For over 30 years, I’ve been collecting oyster photos with a plan to create a series of Oyster paintings, and after this latest trip, I’m finally ready to start! I’m excited to focus on a subject I have loved and enjoyed for so long, which conjures a world of possibilities and magical transformation. After all, the world is your oyster, filled with pearls of wisdom. I will present the first oyster paintings at the Warren Court Art Walk on Mother’s Day weekend.

Click the button below and head to my events page to see all the fun things I’ve got coming up. Meet me at the opening of the Pierro Gallery show in April and the Chatham Library show in June. If you’re planning that trip to Europe, make sure you plan your visit to Paris around my two-woman show at the beautiful Gallery Roshana, mere steps off the Champs Elysees opening September 19th! Check out Andi Ipacktchi's work. She’s my cohort in Paris.

I’ll be attending the NG Artist Residency in Provence for two weeks before my Paris show. I’m thrilled to be going with my art buddy, Sandra Charlap. When I return from Paris I’ll be prepping for my Wild Cherry Art Halloween pARTy, and I’ll wrap up the year with our beloved Studio Tour SOMA. Go to my website now and get on my A-list to learn about all my events, times, and locations. Don’t miss any of the fun!

See you soon!
Love,
Leslie

 

What color's all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul?

 

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
—Wassily Kandinsky

 

In the ‘80s I wore lots of dayglow and bright colors. Even thought I’m wearing a baby pink leather jacket, I was bold color forward!

 

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is the color for 2024. Pantone's website says Peach Fuzz "captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety, gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul." This sounds great. I love to nurture, and I love the idea of enriching my mind, body, and soul, but this color feels to me like a boring '80s flashback. I have noticed that many brands are embracing colors with an '80s vibe, so this is happening, like it or not. Will we all be feathering our hair and wearing leg warmers? Time will tell.

As for my artwork, peach doesn't speak to me. I love bold, bright, saturated colors. I also know contrast provides interest, and peach doesn't add contrast. It tends to soften things. Should I explore my softer creative side? What do you think? Unless I get an overwhelming response from the Universe, I'll stick with my bold colors. And if I have to go back to the '80s, I'm going in fluorescent!

 
 

Here are a few examples of my acrylic paintings; as you can see, they are vibrant with bold colors and lots of contrast. See them in person. Click the button to set up a studio visit. I'd love to show you how vibrant they are in real life. I'd also love to have a chat and catch up.

Stay warm and wonderful.

Love,
Leslie




 

Did you know, if you had fun you won?

 

“Having fun is not a diversion from a successful life; it is the pathway to it.”
— Martha N. Beck

 

Start the year with a splash of Wild Cherry Art. You’ve already won, because it’s fun!

 

Happy New Year! 2024 is looking brighter than ever. We are already heading out of the darkness and back into the light. Day by day, we get a few more minutes of sunshine. I hope your holidays were filled with love and laughter, and now you're all refreshed and revved up for a spectacular year!

 

Here I’m having brunch at Antoine’s, the oldest family-run business in the United States, nestled in the French Quarter. If you haven’t been, you need to eat here. Before you go to NOLA, hit me up and I’ll give you a list for everything!

 

I've got plans to head back to New Orleans in January. You know it's one of my all-time favorite cities. The magic of NOLA is palpable. Visiting the Big Easy always feels like a recharge. Meet me there, and we'll get oysters! I'll gather more inspo for paintings and new original music. It's effortless to be excited and inspired by the incredible southern hospitality mixed with decadent food, fantastic live music everywhere, steamy weather, go cups, European architecture, fascinating history, and bars that never close. It's SO fun!

 

Let’s have more fun this year! In 2023 I had lotsa fun at a wooden shoe factory in Holland.

 

That's my word for the year—FUN! If it doesn't feel a smidge fun, I have difficulty even getting started. I believe fun is the secret sauce that helps us accomplish more, with ease and joy. So maybe when you're feeling stuck this year, try a more playful approach to your challenges. A childlike perspective can restore wonder to your problems and hope for the outcome. Don't forget—"If you had fun, you won!"

If you need more ways to add fun to your life, visit me in the studio, and I'll help you get the party started!

Wishing you and yours an abundance of blissful blessings and loads of fun in 2024.

Love,
Leslie
xo

 

How about giving something uplifting, uniquely crafted, and meaningful?

 

“Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind.”
—Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street

 
 

The Wild Cherry Art Holiday open house was super fun! It was cold and dreary outside and warm and wonderful inside. Sadra Charlap, guest artist extraordinaire, and I were grateful to share so many laughs, smiles, and sparkles with everyone who stopped by. I don't mess around with decorations; I go all in! So it's a Wild Cherry pink winter wonderland. See for yourself; make an appointment to visit the studio for the holidays. Revel in the decor, see the new paintings, celebrate the season with me. Bring friends, and we'll make it a party! If you're looking for holiday cheer, I've got loads to share.

While you’re visiting, you can finish up your holiday shopping. I have many beautiful pieces to delight and inspire everyone on your list. We can all use something uplifting, so give your special someone a uniquely crafted and thoughtful gift. They don't need random stuff; they want meaningful things. Cherries remind us that life is filled with pits and stems and also that sweet, delicious, juicy fruit. Focus on the good stuff with a vibrant cherry painting! You can't find my work on Amazon, but you can find it here, on my website or in person.

 

Holiday Open House! This Sunday, December 3rd, 1pm–6pm. COME!

 
 
 

WILD CHERRY ART HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Join me on Sunday, December 3rd, from 1 pm till 6 pm. 
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first ten people receive a free gift. 
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. Come and celebrate with me!

 
 

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Now it's time to gear up for the season of giving. Because you're on my list, you're invited to a unique, private Holiday Open House. Everything is even more sparkling for the holidays. Join me for a nosh, a chat, and some holiday cheer. Pick up a print or a painting for a gift or yourself. I have new Cherry and Northern Lights paintings and a few new Quarantinis and Landscapes, plus Cherry and Nutcracker totes. I also offer gift certificates. A beautiful piece of ART serves as a positive catalyst for enhancing our well-being. Art has the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge and offer hope. Now that’s a meaningful gift for the person who has everything!

 

The delightful Sandra Charlap will be joining me on Sunday. Come and have fun with us!

 

Sandra Charlap will join me again and sell her beautiful paintings, mosaics, and greeting cards. We had such a great time together during the studio tour we thought we'd buddy up again. Stop by and enjoy the fun. If you're nice, I'll play you my original holiday song! And if you're naughty, I've got something for you too!

With love and gratitude,
Leslie
xo

 

What's not to be thankful for? I get mangos in January!

 
 

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
— Marcel Proust

 
 

This is a chalk painting of a pasture raised, organic turkey that created when I worked at Whole Foods painting signs.

 

As I prepare my home and pantry for the holiday, I'm connecting to all I'm thankful for: family, friends, my boyfriend, good health, extraordinary experiences, a beautiful home, a wonderful community, and all my creative gifts. I'm grateful for living in this time of indoor plumbing, heated car seats, electricity, grocery stores, pillow top mattresses, mangos in January, and everything available in this modern world. Most of us live like kings and queens. It’s an amazing time to be a human. It's also a very turbulent time in a frightening world. I get through it by focusing on the light and practicing gratitude.

This holiday feels especially powerful, and I'm grateful for my freedom and ability to help others. I volunteer at a nonprofit, the WConnection, where widows help widows rebuild their lives. This organization was instrumental in my healing journey. Right now, every donation is being doubled through a matching grant! However you give, and whatever you do to help others improves the world. It has a ripple effect. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could turn that ripple into a tsunami of love! Let's not give up until we succeed. Let’s honor our earth and each other, appreciate all we have, and give back from our hearts. Each of us can make a difference.

Wild Cherry Art holiday open house

Join me on Sunday, December, 3rd from 1pm till 6pm.
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ
Sip, snack, shop, and socialize. The first 10 people receive a free gift.
Our connection is what brings me the most joy. So come and make my day!

From my table to yours, wishing you and yours an abundance of blessings this Thanksgiving.
With love and gratitude,
Leslie

 

Do you want an exciting behind-the-scenes special date?

 
 

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
— Mary Lou Cook

 
 

The amazing winners of the costume contest, Kyle Huntsberry of Milk Honey Soul and Joey Huntsberry won a Limited Edition Wild Cherry Art Giclee print, “The Monster Lies Within.”

 

You know how it is when you focus on accomplishing something big? You have a lot of balls in the air and want to keep them all spinning. Well, this week is one of those weeks for me. It's the culmination of months of work. This past Saturday night, I hosted my SOMA Artists Studio Tour Preview pARTy, which was spooktackular! The art was on display, the band rocked the house with eight new songs, the costumes were poppin', and the cocktails had 'em droppin'!

 
 

Tonight is the opening reception of "Unveiled," a curated show of more than 50 artists participating in this year's Studio Tour. Meet the artists and see a sampling of their work to help you decide whose studios you'd like to visit on Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see you there.

 
 

Then, the big finale is the 20th Anniversary SOMA Artists Studio Tour. I'll be hosting the incredibly talented and super fun Sandra Charlap at my studio. Visit us both and see our new work, buy a painting to expand or start your collection, or pick up a special gift for someone. We'll have a drink, a nosh, and enjoy catching up with you. There will be five additional artists to visit on Warren Court: Sybil Archibald, Jay Pingree, Wendy Bellerman, Christopher Boudewyns, and Fred Courts. So make sure to put Warren Court on your "must-stop" list!

 

We were a band of circus performers and we entertained the crowd at the pARTy. Stuart Klinger (the lion, on guitar) I (the ringmaster) played rhythm guitar and sang, Glenn Healy (the strongman) on drums, and Phil Cohen (the clown) on bass. We rocked!

 

Come spend some time with me in the studio. Click the button below and make a date with me! I'll show you the new collections, heck, I'll show you all the collections! You can get a special private behind-the-scenes look, and I'll play and sing you a song. I'm looking forward to getting together.

See you real soon.
Love,
Leslie

 

RSVP now for Saturday night so you don't miss all the fun!

 
 

“Life is a party. Dress for it.”
―Audrey Hepburn

Small seasonal Chalk pastel.

 

If you’re coming to the party and you haven’t RSVP’d, do it right now! There are only a few spots left and I don’t want you to miss out on the fun. I’m figuring out how much booze to buy so click the button and RSVP now! When you get confirmation you’re in!

Wild Cherry Art Preview pARTy
Saturday, October, 28, 2023
7pm – 11pm
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ

There will be a live band, a costume contest, food, fun, friends, and you! You needn’t wear a costume, but you'll have more fun if you do! First prize for the costume contest is this limited edition fine art Giclee print.

I’m so excited to see you!
love,
Leslie
xo

 

Please will you join me? We have so much to celebrate.

 

“Instead of hate, celebrate.”
–Prince

The Monster Lies Within Limited Edition Giclee print will be awarded to the best costume at the Wild Cherry Art pARTy.

 
 

You're an A-Lister, so I'm expecting to see you at one, if not all, of the following exciting events!

SAturday, October, 28th

〰️

SAturday, October, 28th 〰️

Wild Cherry Art Preview pARTy

Saturday, October, 28, 2023
7pm – 11pm
36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ

Come celebrate with me! I'll be showing new work, performing with a live band, judging the costume contest, partying like a rockstar, and enjoying your sparkling company! We’ll have drinks, food, and fun. You needn’t wear a costume, but you'll have more fun if you do! You can win this limited edition fine art Giclee print if you win the costume contest. It’s a celebration of Halloween and our friendship along with a preview of the studio and new work before the public shows up next week for the 2oth anniversary of the SOMA Artists Studio Tour. RSVP to save your spot. Space is limited!


THursday, November, 2nd

〰️

THursday, November, 2nd 〰️

 
 

Mark your calendar for Unveiled: the opening reception and show highlighting 50 artists participating in the tour. You can check out their work and plan whose studio you want to see.



Sat & Sun, November 4 & 5

〰️

Sat & Sun, November 4 & 5 〰️

 
 

Start the 20th Annual SOMA Artist Studio Tour at Wild Cherry Art!

See Leslie's new work alongside visiting artist, the fantastic Sandra Charlap at 36 Warren Court. Start with a drink, a nosh, great conversation, and lotsa fun. Buy some art to start or grow your collection. Then, see the six other artists showing on the same block! You can visit more than 90 artists as they open their doors and share their unique brand of creativity and art during this beloved community event. Talk to artists in their studios, view beautiful works of art, and gain a unique and personal view of the life of an artist.

I’m so looking forward to seeing you. Life comes with so many ups and downs. Let’s choose to be up and celebrate these events together. I’m grateful for our connections and I want to share a little sunshine or maybe even a bowlful of cherries with you.

See you real soon,
Leslie
xo

 

Art is a powerful force that unites, heals, and enriches our lives.

 

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
― Pablo Picasso

 

On the porch with my latest painting, “Looking For Cal Pep/Barcelona.” See it in the Studio Montclair Critique Group Show. The Opening is Friday, June, 16th 6 pm till 8pm, at the Studio Montclair Gallery, 127 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ.

 

I'm delighted to recount the experience of the Warren Court Art Walk: an event that captured the essence of artistic splendor. Let me paint you a picture of this wonderful weekend and express my deep appreciation to everyone who joined this unforgettable outdoor salon.

Nestled in the heart of our vibrant community, the Warren Court Art Walk unfolded as a celebration of art, connecting artists, art lovers, and the community with a great burst of creative energy. Lucky for us the weather was fantastic. Inspired by visionary local artists this event breathed life onto the usually quiet street, transforming it into an open-air gallery where colors and stories blended with excitement. I set my porch up as a gallery space where I displayed my paintings and performed live music with drummer Glenn Healy and bass player Phil Cohen. You know it was a pARTy! Glenn also pitched in to help for the entire weekend! The variety of media on display on this one block in the historic Montrose Park District was awe-inspiring — from captivating paintings with vivid hues to intricate jewelry made from either precious metals or denim. The atmosphere was a symphony of colors and textures.

 
 

One of the best things about the art walk was the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Conversations sparkled like the lights in my latest painting, "Looking for Cal Pep/Barcelona." Artists and attendees engaged in dialogues, sharing insights, inspirations, and personal stories behind their creations.

As one of the organizers, along with Wendy Bellermann and Sybil Archibald, I am grateful to the participating artists who made the event such a success. Wendy, Sybil, and I worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every detail of the Warren Court Art Walk was an unforgettable experience for all who participated.

Thank you for wandering the art-filled street and embracing the magic of creativity. Your presence and support are invaluable, reminding us that art is a powerful force that unites, heals, and enriches our lives.

If you didn’t make it to the Art Walk or if you came and want to see more, click the button to schedule an appointment to come for a studio visit. We can meet in person or on Zoom. I can’t guarantee cocktails but coffee and tea are always available. And I’m always happy to play you a song!


See you next time!
Love,
Leslie
xo

 

How to replace your fear and regret with sparks of joy and limitless possibilities

 
 

Whatever has happened to you in your past has no power over this present moment, because life is now.
—Oprah Winfrey

 
 

The new 2022 Nutcracker painting, “The Boys in the Band’” is now available. Visit the studio or email for purchasing information.

 

The holidays are here! I love collecting presents throughout the year. If I see something that'll resonate with one of my peeps, as I'm traveling or out and about, I buy it and put it in my secret stash. When the season of giving rolls around, I have lots of meaningful gifts to share. It's way better than trying to find things last minute to show someone they matter.

 

Party season has begun! Stop by the studio and we’ll continue the fun!

 

If you still need to finish your holiday shopping and you'd like to give something meaningful, I can help. I'm offering you the present. Most of us are not living in the moment but regretting the past or fearing the future. Wild Cherry Art ushers you back to the present moment and connects you to joy and wonder. Your fear and regret will be replaced with sparks of joy and limitless possibilities through bold imagery, bright color, and lots of contrast. How about that for a great gift!

 

“Holiday Cherries on Silver” on the mantle. 30 x 30 Inches acrylic and Mica on gallery wrapped archival canvas. Contact for purchasing information.

 

The studio is filled with new paintings, as well as my new Nutcracker Bags and Classic Wild Cherry Totes. Gift certificates are available if you'd like to give someone the gift of a custom piece of art. Set up an appointment to visit me in the studio before the end of the year and make your selections in person.

 

Nutcracker and Wild Cherry Art Totes. Sturdy, dependable, and beautiful patent leather sides and bottom, leather straps, fully lined, waterproof with two interior pockets for all your shopping needs. Email to purchase.

 

Wishing you and yours peace, love, and good health throughout the holiday season.

Love,
Leslie

 

Saturday Night, 11/19, the pARTy is on! Who's with me?

 
 

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
— Oprah Winfrey

 
 

I've been working on contrast. The dark and the light. You can't have one without the other. Combining this with my wild cherry metaphor has led me to my Black Cherry Series. After several years in the making, I'm thrilled to share it with you.

 

I'm beyond excited to see you on November 19th at my Holiday pARTy. You wouldn't believe how much I've missed you. And now, I feel great. The house is spruced up for the holidays. The pARTy is on! Mark your calendar and click the button below to RSVP right now; I'll wait!

Wild Cherry Art Holiday pARTy
Saturday, November 19th
8 pm till 11 pm
Art, Live Music, Booze, Snacks, Fun
Bags, Cards, Ornaments
Birdsong Soy Candles

The party will be super fun with wonderful people and a delicious signature cocktail. The band is fantastic this year with (the infamous) Glenn Healy on drums, (the incomparable) Philip Cohen on Bass, and (the I can't believe he's playing with me!) Stuart Klinger on lead guitar. That puts me on vocals and rhythm guitar. We'll be playing a short assortment of originals and a holiday cover or two. It's going to rock!

 

I've continued exploring with my Sennelier Oil Pastels, from Paris, breathing life into the inspiration from my trip to France, Austria, and Hungary this year. See them all at the pARTy!

 

We can sip, shop and celebrate the season together. All art will be for sale during the party, along with bags and notecards. You can invest in your own collection, purchase a gift, or make an appointment to discuss a commission. My friend, Martha of Birdsong Soy Candles, will be offering her beautiful candles. More than anything I want you to come and have fun with me.

Let’s get the party started!

Love,
Leslie

PS Please be up to date with your vaccines and don’t come if you’re sick.
Thanks!

 

See how to navigate new frontiers with inspired fun, and magical growth

 

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.”
—Lady Bird Johnson

 
 

Inspired Landscape

Opening reception Friday, July 29th, 5 pm – 7:30 pm

July 16th through August 27th
West Orange Arts Council
551 Valley Road, West Orange

When you come to the opening for “Inspired Landscape,” you’ll see some of my recent European landscape work alongside work presented by six other artists. We came together as strangers from different backgrounds, working in various media and with different practices. We’ve met monthly for six years to critique each other’s work and support our artistic growth. During our meetings, we present work and discuss composition, value, subject matter, color, technique, inspiration, and the joy of the creative process. Having ongoing support and consistent accountability helps on the road to mastery. The mastery and the magic are evident when you view the show. I’ll be there for the opening. Meet me there, and we’ll celebrate like it’s 1999!

Participating artists:

Dan Epstein
Leslie Goldman
Marlene Hendrian
Ann Kraus
Fernando Mariscal
Denis Orloff
Katy Repka

 

I used the photographs I took in Monet’s garden to create my recent series of art using my new jumbo Sennelier Oil Sticks. In 1887, Gustave Sennelier, a devoted chemist, established the Sennelier palette as the ultimate standard of quality for Oil Pastels.

 

Navigating unknown mediums creates new neural pathways. Texture, viscosity, pigmentation, and substrate play a role, as do attitude, beliefs, and goals. Using new materials forces us to explore new ways of doing things. My Sennelier Oil Pastels are pushing me into unforeseen frontiers. I have to put on my thinking cap. More importantly, I put on my feeling cap. I approach the process with positivity and creative abandon. My studio is a great place to play and investigate without judgment. I play great music, infuse some delicious essential oils, dance around a bit, and have at it. The bottom line is when you try something new, you can’t help but grow. So much joy comes with exploring fully in the moment with childlike wonder. When I have fun with it and enjoy the ride, magic happens. See and feel the magic at my latest show!

I’ll be at the gallery all day this Saturday, July 23rd from 11am – 4pm. Come for a special tour of the show and I’ll share some of the observations from our critique sessions. People really love hearing about how the artist sees things and I’m happy to share. See you soon!

Love,
Leslie