Walk
into Dean McLeod's studio and your reaction to his artwork is likely to be a
verbal and visceral "wow". You are struck at once by the paintings visually
deceptive spaces and the rich color of the saturated canvasses. Objects are
depicted in a style that could be termed as "contemporary representational".
Handmade frames adorn each painting. Built from a wide variety of materials,
the frames are an integral part of the artwork.
Born
in Eston, Saskatchewan. McLeod grew up on a wheat farm, where the prairie
wind and big sky seared his soul. The rebellious and free thinking culture
of his family is evident in his artwork. His father set a life's course for
him with the regular advice, "It doesn't matter what you do just be happy".
So, he never felt compelled to follow anything other than his heart.