Seattle might be notorious for niche coffee shops and scenic waterways, but locals know it's also home to an array of people who love to create. This city is chock-full of artists who we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you're wondering just what constitutes art, that's the beauty of it; it's up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.
Seattle Refined: How long have you been creating? What mediums do you work with?
Leslie LaCroix: For 27 years. The medium I use the most is graphite. I have experience with others, such as markers, scratchboard, calligraphy and charcoal. I also mess around with origami, photography, color pencils, and pastel.
Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?
I'll have a feeling of wanting to do a certain medium, and then I'll find a pic to draw, I'll create something, or I'll be asked to draw something particular. I set up my drawing utensils and select the right paper and size, get the right lighting, and then position the paper and picture correctly before I start. I do a light sketch and make sure the size is proportioned right. From there, I slowly build the drawing with layers of shading and final sketches.
Tell us about where your inspiration for your art comes from.
I like to see how much better I get as time goes on. It's a fun skill to have. I can get lost in my own world. It brings joy, too, to see the people's reactions to their gift.
Do you have a specific "beat" you like best – nature, food, profiles, etc.?
Usually, I find myself drawing people and animals. Pretty anything, though.
Do you have one piece of art that means more to you or is extremely special to you?
There are a couple of pieces that mean more to me. In high school, I won first place in a drawing competition in Texas. And most recently, a drawing I did of my nephew and niece.
What experiences in your life have affected your art the most?
My husband's and sister's encouragement. Being able to do commissions and learning as I go.
If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?
I have a Facebook page called LaCroix drawings. I also have an Instagram @Lalacroix_85.
What is next for you? Anything you're working on right now that you're really excited about?
Right now, I have a few things to do for my family. My next drawing will be Mount Rainier for my grandparents or a drawing of Nicola Tesla for my husband. I have also been invited to do a drawing for an auction. The auction is for Huskies in need.
Lastly, how do you take your coffee? (We ask everyone!)
My favorite coffee lately has been a caramel frappuccino. I also like regular and peppermint mochas.
