Leslie Kennedy Lyon

Leslie Kennedy Lyon is an accomplished artist based in Charleston, SC. She holds a Master of Fine Arts with high honors from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY (1988), and a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY (1983). 

Leslie's work is inspired by her experiences with anatomy and natural forms as well as her extensive travels, with some new work moving toward representation. Since 2011, she has been fully committed to her solo studio practice. Her series "Architecture of the Body" draws from academic anatomy books that she has appropriated to create whimsical compositions wholly separate from their original context and meaning. Her works have been described as non-objective, featuring vivid colors that suggest landscapes, mysterious still-life objects, and abstracts. 

Leslie uses her experience with anatomy as a source of raw material to explore color and shape, often creating large-scale works that showcase her technical skills. Leslie's transition from anatomy studies to painting natural forms such as shells and fish bones led to “Oceanic Structures,” a series of works that explore the architecture of the ocean. The paintings consist of both small- and large-scale sea creatures and beach finds that, at times, take on anthropomorphic qualities. 

Leslie's travels have taken her to many places worldwide, including Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Malta, Sisley, Mexico City, Taos, and throughout the United States. Many works are inspired by these destinations.

In addition to her artistic practice, Leslie has more than 20 years of experience teaching college-level art courses. She has taught over a dozen courses in painting, drawing, design, and art history/criticism at institutions such as the University of South Carolina Upstate, Converse College, and Greenville Technical College. Leslie also holds credentials to teach college-level art history and art criticism, with 15 hours of graduate credits in art history/criticism. Her experience in arts administration includes grant writing and serving as the art school director for the Spartanburg Art Association from 1993-1994, where she successfully launched COLORS, an art program for inner-city youth. 

Leslie's professional accomplishments include exhibitions of her artwork in solo and group shows, public art installations, and participation in a painting workshop at Sadie Valeri Atelier in San Francisco. In 2023, Leslie completed Christie's Education Contemporary Art Business Certificate Program in New York, NY.

Leslie's studio is located in Charleston’s Cat Fish Row at 89 Church Street (second floor) with viewings available by appointment. Please direct email inquiries to info@leslielyon.com.