One of the best things about Instagram is waiting for a post from Ruth Leslie to see what she named her latest piece of art. It always makes me smile (and laugh out loud) and the art is always beautiful. She takes me to places I love—the wild beauty of mountains and beaches—and I also love that some of her beautiful art is small enough to set on my desk or on a shelf or in a group of paintings. It brings me great joy. And she loves hiking as much as I do. Okay, just so you can smile too, here are some of the titles of her “James Spann Series” of paintings: “Respect the Polygon,” “Suspenders,” “Lightning, Not Lightening,” and “Hair in a Biscuit” because like Spann says, “That tornado’s hanging in there like hair in a biscuit.” She and her family live in Maylene, Alabama.
No One Comes Inside by Ruth Leslie Art. Little Beehive Trail, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
From Ruth Leslie: This one’s called “No One Comes Inside” because yesterday the neighbor’s kid kept asking me, “Why won’t you let me come inside?” This was our conversation…
Him: Why won’t you let me come inside?
Me: Are you legally related to me in some way?
No.
Can I claim you as a dependent on my taxes?
No.
Are you quiet?
No.
Do you owe me money?
No.
Did you bring me some kind of food?
No.
Then I think we’re done here, buddy.
Ruth Leslie
From Ruth: Since I started painting, my biggest frustration has been the realization that there’s just not enough time to paint “all the things.” I am in complete awe and amazement of this incredible world created for us and I want to get all of it on paper. My family loves being out in nature; anywhere we travel, I always ask the locals, “Y’all got any hikes?” I take a million pictures and then try to paint them...memories in acrylic, gouache, oil, or whatever I can find in my cart. However, no canvas or artist’s brush could ever truly capture the Creator’s original brushstrokes. I find so much joy in my humble attempts at creating art and I cannot fathom how much joy our Lord took in His creation. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to share in this small way with others a glimpse of the beauty all around us.
Check out Ruth Leslie on her website and follow her on Instagram. It will make you happy.
