Leland Beaman

“Through my eyes and onto the canvas, abstraction captures the spirit of the composition, and realism brings to life the soul and flesh of the subject. We create our environment, then our environment creates us. I hope my paintings will contribute to the joy, discovery, and appreciation of our surroundings.”

Life, according to Beaman is a process, not a series of events which he practices in the joyful strokes of color progressing toward a subject, moving and changing. Accurate detail is acknowledged, appreciated and blurred to enhance the radiance of moving life.

Early in his career, Beaman painted with a safe and realistic technique. As he matured he felt constricted by the conformity. “My life evolved from needing a precise structure to desiring my own personal expression,” he said. “Abstraction sets reality to music by orchestrating colors on canvas like a musician arranged notes for a symphony. I hope to compose a harmonious blend, pleasing to the eye, but also exciting and stimulating to the soul.”

Exhibitions, Commissions & Honors

• Art show awards: Jackson, Michigan; St. Augustine, Florida; Stockton, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan
• McDonald Corporation 16 murals
• Michigan scenes for Citibank and Dahlen Corporation
• Commissioned by Vincent Price to participate in a national art show
• Commissioned to paint atomic energy murals for Consumers Power Company
• Murals and drawings for Hotel Hayes
• Sold some 6,000 paintings in more than 40 years
• Corporate patrons include: Citibank, Earnhart Auto, Val Vista Lakes and Aeroquip Corporation
• Patrons include: Vincent Price, Red Skelton, Supreme Court Judge Mary Coleman, Meredith McRae and Senator John McCain