About Leslie Spradlin

Discover the vibrant world of Leslie Spradlin's unique paintings inspired by nature and her southern Georgia roots.

Leslie Lawrence Spradlin grew up surrounded by artists and was greatly influenced by her family's creativity. Leslie's paternal grandfather (lester Lawrence) designed golf courses, her maternal grandfather (Raymond Mattson) enjoyed sketching, and both of Leslie's parents (Cortez Lawrence and Janet Mattson Starr) worked in multiple mediums. To keep her quiet in Church, Leslie's mother gave her a blank journal which begged to be drawn in. Leslie wrote stories and illustrated them in this journal. In 1987, Leslie met one of the greatest influencers of her life, Carrie Triko, an art teacher. Leslie was greatly encouraged by Carrie Triko's tutorship. Leslie sold her first pencil sketch during that time.

Leslie graduated from Clayton State University with a degree on Fine Arts and illustrated her first children's book during that year. She has continued to paint, draw, teach, run her pottery studio throughout the years. She has been represented by various galleries across the south-eastern region of the United States. From The Rauga-Roo Gallery on the Riverfront in New Orleans, to Big Mama's Hula Girl Gallery on 30-A in FL, or Matamo's in Mount Dora, FL and multiple Fine Arts Festivals from May to September, you can find Leslie usually at her easel painting or at the pottery wheel throwing pots and bowls.

Leslie Lawrence Spradlin has illustrated over 45 children's picture books for independent writers and publishing houses. She worked with celebrated authors and first-time writers navigating the publishing world for the first time. In 2005, Leslie rediscovered her old journal from those church services long ago and published her own children's picture book, The Sunglass Kid. She's also written two young-adult novels: The Weight of Vanity, the coming-of-age tale of a young girl whose father is dying, and Sonic Boom-Fractures, which follows the summer of three twelve-year-olds who develop super-powers after an accident.

Leslie currently resides in beautiful North Carolina with her amazingly talented husband, Scott, and two rambunctious dogs. Her three daughters live close by. Leslie spends her spare time watching her grandchildren, walking in nature, and painting and drawing.