Leslie Anne, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, shares her journey from pencil portraits to digital mixed media and acrylic painting. She began making art 15 years ago, transitioned to digital tools like Procreate during the pandemic, and now creates bold, colorful works centered on Black women, queer identities, and overlooked historical figures. She sells her work through her website and Etsy, participates in local exhibitions, and takes commissions for custom portraits and music cover art.
This article matters because it highlights the experiences of an emerging artist navigating the business side of art while building community and visibility. Leslie Anne's focus on radical visibility and Afrofuturist reimaginings of Black historical figures speaks to broader cultural conversations about representation, erasure, and the role of self-taught artists in the contemporary art world. Her story underscores the importance of grassroots art scenes and digital platforms in supporting diverse voices outside traditional institutional structures.