EDWARD LEONARD

1901-1968

Edward Leonard, painter, teacher, administrator was born in New York City, New York on May 20, 1901.  He was a prolific artist known primarily as a portrait and figure painter, but, his true love seemed to be landscape painting.  He was a very well schooled artist having studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City.  He also studied art at the Art Students League, the Beaux Arts Institute, and the Grand Central School of Art, all in New York.  Leonard traveled to France to study art and won numerous medals and prize awards for his work.

He worked in New York City for many years as a portrait artist.  While living there he became a Trustee of the Artists Fellowship.  A group formed in 1925 as a private, charitable foundation that assists professional fine artists (painters, graphic artists, sculptors) and their families in times of emergency, disability, or bereavement.  He was also a member of the Salmagundi Club.

After moving to Venice, Florida, he became the Chairman of the Florida Federation of Art, which was organized in April 1927, in Orlando, Florida, to assist local clubs throughout the state in promoting art and art appreciation.  He worked as an instructor of portrait and figure painting at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.  Near the end of his life he moved to Valrico, Florida near Tampa.

Edward Leonard was the husband of the gifted and accomplished artist Mary Leonard.  He died in Valrico, Florida in August of 1968.