Leo Stans, The Artist
I heard it said that our talents are given to us for the benefit of others and
it is our responsibility to develop them to use for the good of others. I have
pursued this idea since I became a professional artist in 1980. Until that
time, most of my efforts were put into various sales jobs that were somewhat
lucrative, yet unfulfilling. Most of my evenings were spent painting and
developing my artistic skills. I also attended the Minneapolis Institute of
Art.
In the late seventies, I noticed wildlife art was becoming very popular. Growing
up in Minnesota and being an avid outdoorsman, it was only natural for me to
begin my artistic career painting wildlife. I decided to break away from
selling life insurance and paint full-time. I saved enough money to get by for
six months without income and began painting wildlife.
In 1999 I began painting golf art. The following three years resulted in my “Best of Minnesota” golf collection. My goal was to paint the best holes of the best golf courses
in the state. Nineteen different courses commissioned me to paint twenty-three
paintings.
As the year 2002 approached, I found myself restless once more and needed a new
and exciting change in artistic expression. I found it in doing historical
paintings of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. I worked from old black and
white photographs. I was able to recreate scenes from a bygone era that were
rich with color and nostalgia.
People from all over the world bought this work. My goal was to recreate a
distant memory where everything was not quite clear yet the feeling remained.
In the late seventies when I began painting wildlife, I had decided either I was
going to make a living as an artist or it would remain a hobby. After 26 years,
I can proudly say that people all over the world enjoy my art.
I keep my inspiration high and avoid boredom by varying my subjects. I am always
striving to improve and create better work. The pursuit of creating the perfect
painting is an elusive goal for any artist. However, the attempt must be made.
If at the end of life
’s journey this goal has not been met, at least I will know that I have given my
very best.
Today...
...my search for new subjects
and challenge continues.
I love traveling to the south regions of the United States.
I have become inspired to paint western landscapes.
I find this direction exciting,
— the subjects to paint are
endless.
Will I finally create the
perfect painting? Only time
will tell. Meanwhile, I will
keep painting and striving
for excellence.
