About the Artist

Leah Wiedemer - Biography

It's a Journey

Leah Wiedemer is an oil painter based in DeLand, Florida, renowned for her captivating exploration of equestrian themes through a spectrum of styles ranging from realism to abstracted realism. Without formal art education, Wiedemer has embraced a lifelong learning approach, refining her skills through various workshops and courses. Her artistic journey is marked by a deep fascination with the relationships between animals, particularly horses, and their human companions, a theme that profoundly inspires her work.

Wiedemer's career is a tapestry of diverse experiences within the art world, having painted watercolors, illustrated children's books, and even created sidewalk art for Disney during their Animation Celebration. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to successfully run a mural company for a decade, while her talents also found expression in decorative painting for establishments like Darden restaurants. Despite this varied background, it was oil painting that ultimately captured her heart, steering her towards a new artistic direction where she has truly found her niche.

Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her active participation and recognition in prestigious art organizations such as the Oil Painters of America, the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, the American Impressionist Society, and the Women Artists of the West. Wiedemer's work has garnered numerous accolades, including ‘Best in Show’ at the Daytona Art League annual show, an award of excellence at the OPA Eastern Exhibition and an award of excellence from the National Oil and Acrylic Society for her piece "Can I Come Too" and multiple Best in Category awards from the Plein Air Salon. Her painting "Work Friends" not only sold on the opening day of the NOAPS Best of America show but also received third place in the Women Artists of the West Early Show in 2026.

Leah Wiedemer's artistic journey reflects her dedication to evolving as an artist. Her path, though unconventional, has been rich with experiences that have shaped her unique perspective, allowing her to create art that resonates with collectors and art enthusiasts alike. As she prepares for her first Invitational exhibition at the Phoenix Zoo in 2027, Wiedemer continues to strive for artistic excellence, aiming to leave an indelible mark on the art world with her evocative portrayals of equestrian life.

Exhibition History

2016 - Third place Smithsonian Waterways competition and exhibition
Mount Dora Art Center plein air exhibit for several years
Find your Park Plein Air event - “The Lookout” chosen to be exhibited at the Lightner Museum, St. Augustine,FL
2017 - Plein air event at the Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional conference. Painting sold.
2018- Oil Painters of America national exhibition in Steamboat Springs, CO. Painting sold.
2018 - Richeson small works exhibition in Wisconsin. Painting sold.
2019 - Oil painters of America plein air exhibit in Cutter and Cutter gallery St. Augustine, FL. “Erin’s Bougainvillea” sold.
2019 -Naples 53rd founders exhibition. (“Still Standing”)
2020 - OPA Eastern Exhibition Reinert Fine Art gallery - Marsh Sparkles - Sold
2021 - OPA Salon show Quinlan Visual Arts Center - “Dublin Sentinel”
2021 - OPA Eastern Exhibition - Art Center Manatee Bradenton, FL - “Carolina Casting”
2021 - NOAPS Best of America Dana Gallery Missoula MT - “Forgotten”
2022 - NOAPS Jackson WY - “Paradise Found”
2022 OPA Wet Paint in conjunction with the National Exhibition. Steamboat Springs, CO - painting sold
2023 OPA Wet Paint in conjunction with the National Exhibition. Reinert Fine Art Charleston, SC “Antique Rose”
2023 NOAPS Best of America - Wilcox Gallery
2023 OPA Eastern exhibition - Eskimo Kisses
AIS online Eskimo Kisses - honorable mention
OPA Eastern 2024 - Sugar and Spice
Honorable mention award from the Plein Air Salon - Oct. 2024
Best in Category (Western) Plein Air Salon - Dec 2024
Best in Category (Western) Plein Air Salon - March 2025
OPA National 2025 - Bradenton, FL - Work Friends
OPA Eastern 2025 - Beverly McNeil Gallery, Birmingham AL - Award of excellence in Animal Category for "Can I Come Too"
NOAPS Best of America - James R Ross Gallery , Indianapolis IN
OPA National 2026 - Steamboat Springs CO
NOAPS Small Works 2026 - Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island GA
OPA Salon 2026 -Casseins Fine Art Gallery - Montana