Leo Laxa, Artist

Leo Laxa was born and raised in Manila, Philippines where he learned to paint from his father, Elias Laxa, a well-known Philippine artist. As a young boy, Leo would go out with his father and watch him paint for hours. “I still remember the advice he gave me on techniques and color-mixing,” Leo recalls. “I believe that painting directly from nature is the best way to capture the true color and atmosphere of a scene.”

In 1971, Leo moved to Hawaii, and worked as a draftsman in mechanical and electrical engineering consultant to support him and family. When he retired, he decided to devote himself full-time to painting.   His method involves going out on location to places where man has not overwhelmed nature. First, he takes reference photographs, then he paints directly in oils. Later, he finishes the scene at home in his studio.

Inspired by old Master Impressionist, Leo paints with a combination of bold and soft brushstrokes that capture the immediate light and rich colors of the scenes before him. He prepares to paint waves crashing against the Hawaiian rocky volcanic shores, and other elements of Hawaii’s spectacular landscapes and seascapes.

His paintings are in private collections in the Philippines, Europe, the Continental United States and Hawaii.

We were pleased to showcase the works of Leo Laxa, winner of our first art contest from April 21-July 18, 2003. An impressionist artist, his works have mainly focused on seascapes, landscapes, still life and views of Hawaii. His versatility and talent as an artist came shining through when he tried his hand at an abstract painting and ended up winning our art contest. The Laser Eye Center of Hawaii has created postcards, posters, and other marketing pieces using Leo’s winning art, which can be seen on “The Art of Vision” Contest page.

www.leolaxafinearts.com