Discover the Vibrant Stories Behind Salida Artist’s Colorful Colorado Creations

Dorothy steps out of her black-and-white world into the vivid land of Oz. Similarly, artist Leslie Jorgensen immerses herself in the stunning outdoors of Colorado. "It’s that awe," she shares. "It’s that feeling of being truly alive." Jorgensen’s goal is to bottle that feeling into her art.

Her studio in Salida becomes a canvas for joy. “Color impacts our psyche,” she explains. “I use color intentionally to uplift.” Living in Colorful Colorado enriches her creative spirit. "I felt reborn when I came here," she recalls.

Originally from Florida, Jorgensen arrived in Colorado in 1989 for a job at the Denver Post. That move kicked off a 30-year journey in graphic design. While she received tempting job offers over the years, she chose to stay. "I probably scrapped a promising career to stay and ski," she laughs. But in 2015, she shifted gears entirely, trading in her design career for a full-time painting pursuit.

Many people questioned her choice. “My parents thought I’d become a starving artist,” she reminisces. Yet, her love for art and Colorado pushed her forward. She returned to art school, learning to capture the beauty of the state on canvas.

Initially, her paintings were photorealistic but felt incomplete. "Something was missing—the energy I had when I first arrived," she says. This realization led her to explore a vibrant, abstract style, which is now showcased in her gallery and local festivals.

After moving to Salida in 2018, Jorgensen found herself in an artistic hub surrounded by outdoor activities. "My paintings are emotional responses to these experiences,” she says. The snowy landscapes are never just white; she infuses her work with vibrant pinks and oranges reflecting sunrises. Mountains glow with warmth, wildflowers bloom year-round, and rivers shine as blue as the sky above.

Jorgensen acknowledges that life can often feel dark and overwhelming. "The world might be scary and uncertain," she says, "but it’s crucial to seek out joy." Her work not only captures beauty but also serves as a reminder to embrace happiness amidst life’s challenges.

In a recent survey by ArtTactic, 62% of respondents indicated that art significantly improved their moods and mental well-being. Jorgensen’s work aligns with this sentiment, painting a world filled with color and positivity, encouraging us all to find joy amidst the chaos.

For more on how art affects our emotions, check out ArtTactic’s report.

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