Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle LeBlanc.
Hi Kyle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I discovered fine art during my last year in college (2018) in Idaho while I was completing my bachelor’s degree and closing my collegiate football and track career. I needed art for my apartment and decided to make my own. Growing up in San Diego I was fortunate to help my dad with his construction business – which brought me joy being create building with my hands at a young age. I have always enjoyed being creative but never attempted any sorts of visual fine arts until this last year in college. The more I painted the more I fell in love with fine art. The real me was truly reborn. Being able to tell my stories through a contemporary style on canvas – I was in love.
After graduating, I decided to move back to San Diego where I had some connections to the local community. I put my head down and worked as hard as I possibly could to achieve my dream to be a full-time living artist. I worked a few part-time jobs and a year later I managed to bring my dream to reality (2020)
Since then, I have been loving every bit about the fine arts world – the ups & downs of a being a full-time living artist. Using my collegiate connections, I have been able to do work for professional athletes across the globe. Adapting from the canvas onto larger scale landscapes I began to do murals for local businesses.
My main goal with my art before I die is to use the canvas as a platform to remind the world what it feels like to be loved. Our world is headed south in many categories & I hope my art helps bring people together in a positive way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a very bumpy road along the way. Discovering my ability to draw and paint, trying to master my own style, turn my art into a living job all within less than 3 years has been an insane experience. I am very thankful for people following my work and believing in my personal mission. I told myself it would take at least 10 years to bring my dream into becoming a full-time artist. Being mentally strong and knowing great things don’t happen overnight really helped me keep my head on straight throughout my journey.
My biggest struggle along the way ties a lot with the lack of knowledge in the fine art world. I never studied anything about fine art so I didn’t understand the history or how you can possibly generate success in the modern world. My passion for art forced me to learn quickly. I spent a ton of time in the wrong areas trying to find success. You live and you learn.
Originally a ton of people thought I was crazy. Here I am fresh out of college deciding I want to do something I have never done for a living. It was a crazy idea, but I was in love and trusted my gut. Making the decision to chase this dream of mine has been the best decision I have ever made in this life. I would say not having too many original supporters was a challenge at first but that would be a lie – it pushed me even harder and inspired me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a contemporary and abstract painting artist. I also create murals at any size and design on clothing from time to time. My bread and butter is a contemporary style on canvas. I painted a lot of portraits in my early days and still make custom pieces from clients. I am known for my contemporary style, tying in colors and elements that easy the mind.
My work sets me apart from others by being loud in a pleasant way allowing the viewer to get lost in their own personal experiences. My work lies between the loud and minimal categories of fine art. I tell my personal stories through my work but don’t make the art about me which is a rare trait to tie in within fine art.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The people who originally didn’t believe in me deserve a ton of credit because they really pushed me beyond my limits. Honestly, everyone thought the idea was a little crazy. Connecting with strangers opened my eyes and gave me insurance that I wasn’t a madman chasing a dream that was a million miles away. Hearing strangers give me positive feedback about my art gave me the thumbs up I needed to keep on going with my work.
I believe any human can achieve any goal if they believe in their self and have a strong work ethic. My brother and dad believed in me – deep down knowing me that I would work hard however long it would take for me to achieve my goal. My girlfriend has been a huge supporter in my journey.
I recently connected with Rosa Robinson – owner of Borgia, Inc. Galleries Borgia who has been a huge supporter. Being able to connect with someone who is very credible and knowledgeable in the fine arts world has helped my career tremendously.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leblanccompany.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leblanc_co/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeBlancCompany/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/kyleleblancart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu_tLbBTvP0UpqclGZKHk1g
Image Credits
Kyle LeBlanc
Rosa Robinson
