Abstracts:
In the late 1950’s Art Criticism declared Regionalism dead. Abstract Expressionism was the order of the day. Leon tried painting in the current favored mode with some limited success. But he felt it wasn’t his true self and returned to his interest in being outdoors in the landscape.
However, in the early 1980’s he developed macular degeneration and his eyesight began to fail. Unable to see well enough to paint representationally he quit painting altogether. After strong encouragement from his son he finally tried his hand again at total abstraction. Just being able to see peripherally, he utilized his strong knowledge of composition and his experience as a musician to create some dazzling, expressive paintings with a strong rhythmical presence.