The Art of Leslie Berenson

Simplicity is one of the most difficult artistic styles to master successfully, very often because it is a way of conveying complexity without appearing to do so. Much like a well-written phrase, the less said usually speaks volumes.

Last year about this time, I wandered into one of Key West’s many art galleries and came face to face with the incredible work of artist Leslie Berenson, a collection that illustrates my point to perfection.

Berenson’s singular focus on a very relatable subject - the simple and humble fishing boat - allows the true focus of her work, which is the play of light, to speak, or sing, which comes a little closer to the truth.

Berenson draws her inspiration from memories of early morning childhood fishing outings with her dad. Early mists, soft light, fluid against solid, the slanting rays of a sun just rising and one just leaving at day’s end - all of these are brought to bear in her images.

Many of her works are massive, some even bordering on life size, which only adds to the impact. For a full half hour in the gallery, I tried moving on to the work of other artists, only to reverse course and stand a while longer, contemplating, smiling.

It is a rare and happy day for an artist when one is able to cut through the maze of inspirational thought, image, color, and subject matter that constantly pulls and tugs to finally arrive at a place of artistic clarity and peace.

Leslie Berenson is among those lucky few.

Her work can be purchased at Art on Duval in Key West and other fine galleries nationwide, and also online at Leslie Berenson Fine Art.