Cheryl Leclair Sommer
Fine Art
https://www.leclairsommer.com/contact
Larger Artworks
Sublime Light
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
10" x 20"
Available ‐ $950.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
10" x 20"
Available ‐ $950.00
Salmon Sky Over the Marsh
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
16 x 32
Available $1,800.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
16 x 32
Available $1,800.00
Obsessed With The Sun
‐ Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
20" x 20"
Available ‐ $1,400.00
‐ Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
20" x 20"
Available ‐ $1,400.00
Eventide
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
18 x 24
Available ‐ $1,800.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
18 x 24
Available ‐ $1,800.00
Tranquill Flow
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
18" x 24"
Available ‐ $1,800.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
18" x 24"
Available ‐ $1,800.00
BIOGRAPHY
Cheryl has been interested in creating art since a young child in Upper Michigan but life delayed that immediate pursuit. In 1989, her desire to create was again sparked after purchasing a pastel painting from a local artist. Since then, the challenge of creating paintings has been her fundamental focus.
Numerous workshops and ongoing private studies with nationally known artists including Albert Handel, Jim Robinson (The Art Academy), and Joseph Paquet have provided the crucial educational underpinnings. Cheryl regularly draws from life at drawing cooperatives. For many years her main focus was painting with soft pastels but in the early 2000's, she transitioned to painting almost exclusively in oils due to their sublime properties.
Her efforts have produced recognition for her paintings with artwork regularly juried into national exhibits, two Best of Show awards at 2024 outdoor painting competitions, a significant Project Space grant and solo exhibition at Kolman Reeb Gallery, awards at outdoor painting competitions, Master Circle award from IAPS, an award of a two-week residency, and a feature on the television show "MN Original."
Cheryl lives and works in a suburb of St. Paul and enjoys painting in western Minnesota after purchasing and renovating a farmhouse to a gallery and studio. Cheryl can be found throughout the midwest and the Tahoe area painting landscapes outdoors. During inclement weather, she is found in her home and farm studio working on larger pieces, wildlife art, and other subjects.
Cheryl is a member of many art organizations including Oil Painters of America, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Oil Painters of America, and past President of the Lake Country Pastel Society.
Cheryl has been interested in creating art since a young child in Upper Michigan but life delayed that immediate pursuit. In 1989, her desire to create was again sparked after purchasing a pastel painting from a local artist. Since then, the challenge of creating paintings has been her fundamental focus.
Numerous workshops and ongoing private studies with nationally known artists including Albert Handel, Jim Robinson (The Art Academy), and Joseph Paquet have provided the crucial educational underpinnings. Cheryl regularly draws from life at drawing cooperatives. For many years her main focus was painting with soft pastels but in the early 2000's, she transitioned to painting almost exclusively in oils due to their sublime properties.
Her efforts have produced recognition for her paintings with artwork regularly juried into national exhibits, two Best of Show awards at 2024 outdoor painting competitions, a significant Project Space grant and solo exhibition at Kolman Reeb Gallery, awards at outdoor painting competitions, Master Circle award from IAPS, an award of a two-week residency, and a feature on the television show "MN Original."
Cheryl lives and works in a suburb of St. Paul and enjoys painting in western Minnesota after purchasing and renovating a farmhouse to a gallery and studio. Cheryl can be found throughout the midwest and the Tahoe area painting landscapes outdoors. During inclement weather, she is found in her home and farm studio working on larger pieces, wildlife art, and other subjects.
Cheryl is a member of many art organizations including Oil Painters of America, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Oil Painters of America, and past President of the Lake Country Pastel Society.
Landscapes
Strength
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
9" x 12"
Available ‐ $400.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
9" x 12"
Available ‐ $400.00
Another Shade of Gold
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
10" x 8"
Available ‐ $375.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
10" x 8"
Available ‐ $375.00
A Simpler Time
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
12" x 9
Available ‐ $400.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
12" x 9
Available ‐ $400.00
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Painting in time honored, representational practices, I seek to evoke a sense of place and a point in time. My focus upon sensitivity to the subject matter seeks to connect and transport the viewer to a place in their memories. My affinity for the natural world seeps through, as time is layered upon the canvas. My creative instincts show my desire to communicate the depth of the singular moments that unfold in nature. In some way, my paintings are a self-reflection and longing to make an eternal mark.
My focus, painting landscapes directly outside, originates from my transcendent connection to the land and reverence for nature’s raw beauty. Studio paintings of still life objects, flowers, and figurative works feature the natural world as observed through the human imprint.
I continue to study and strive to develop a more sensitive eye and practiced though – it is this ongoing challenge to learn and progress to which I am drawn.
Painting in time honored, representational practices, I seek to evoke a sense of place and a point in time. My focus upon sensitivity to the subject matter seeks to connect and transport the viewer to a place in their memories. My affinity for the natural world seeps through, as time is layered upon the canvas. My creative instincts show my desire to communicate the depth of the singular moments that unfold in nature. In some way, my paintings are a self-reflection and longing to make an eternal mark.
My focus, painting landscapes directly outside, originates from my transcendent connection to the land and reverence for nature’s raw beauty. Studio paintings of still life objects, flowers, and figurative works feature the natural world as observed through the human imprint.
I continue to study and strive to develop a more sensitive eye and practiced though – it is this ongoing challenge to learn and progress to which I am drawn.
WATER
Boulder Creek
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
11" x 14"
Available ‐ $575.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
11" x 14"
Available ‐ $575.00
Almost Eternal
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
8" x 16"
Available ‐ $575.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
8" x 16"
Available ‐ $575.00
Channeling
Oil ‐ Panel
10" x 20"
Available ‐ $750.00
Oil ‐ Panel
10" x 20"
Available ‐ $750.00
SELECTED RESUME
ART EDUCATION:
*Workshops, classes, and mentoring studies 2001 to present with Joe Paquet (2009 to present); Art Academy (2011 to present); and nationally known instructors: Kathleen Dunphy, Kami Mendlik, Albert Handell, Sally Strand, Fred Somers.
*Rogue Begonia - Art Goal Setting symposium 2020-23 and 2024-25.
*Plein Aire Conventions 2019 through 2025.
*Frequently attend various drawing cooperatives within the Twin Cities.
*International Association of Pastel Societies Biennial Conventions. 1997 - 2013.
*The Artistic Development Program - Banfill Locke Center for the Arts - 1995 - 1997.
CURATING/JUDGING EXPERIENCE:
*Judge and Commentator - Vasaloppet Art Show for Kannabec County Art Association - '18.
*Juror - Artist's del Norte '17 Exhibit.
*Curator for art procurement at Office of Administrative Hearing, State of Minnesota. Create prospectus, select finalists, purchase
eighty works of art including commissioned artworks, prints, photographs, and reproductions. Direct installation and catalog.
*Exhibition Chair, Juror, and Judge - AZ Gallery ’09 - '09 Animal Lovers Open Exhibit.
*Exhibition Co-Chair and Juror – AZ Gallery - ’09 Savoring Summer exhibit.
*Exhibition Chair and Juror - AZ Gallery - '08 Portrait of America Nat’l Exhibit.
*Exhibition Chair and Juror, and Judge - AZ Gallery - '08 Gifts of Love Exhibit.
RESIDENCIES, GRANTS, PUBLICITY, and TELEVISION FEATURE:
*Project Space Grant through Kolman Reeb Gallery culminating in solo exhibition 2023-24.
*Awarded two-week residency at Cornucopia Art Center, Lanesboro, MN - 2007. Paint plein air landscapes
and teach at elementary school.
*Featured MPR Art Hounds article. March 2024.
*Featured artist on MN Original, 2011. See: https://video.tpt.org/video/Cheryl-LeClair-Sommer-577489H-2/
*Oct. 20, 2011, the Star Tribune, stated "Pastel painter Cheryl LeClair-Sommer beautifully captures Minnesota's many seasons with this often overlooked medium."
SELECTED AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS:
*Award of Merit, 2025 MAA spring exhibit at Phipps Center.
*Best of Show, Black Hills Plein Air, Hill City, S.D. 2024
*Best of Show, Prairie Lakes Plein Air, Battle Lake, MN 2024
*Merit Award Red Wing Plein Air 2024
*Merit Award - MN Artists Association 2023
*Hill City Plein Air - 2023 Honorable Mention
*Prairie Lakes Plein Air - Best of Show 2023
*Red Wing Plein Air 2023 - Best Depiction of Red Wing
*Hill City Plein Air 2022 - People's Choice
*Red Wing Arts Autumnal Invitational - 2020.
*Red Wing Arts Plein Air Exhibition - 2020 and 2021 - juried participant.
*2021 - Arts North, International Juried Exhibition, Hopkins, first place pastels.
*2020 - Arts North, International Juried Exhibition, Hopkins, second place Oil Paintings.
*Master Circle, awarded by International Association of Pastel Societies, June 2013.
*Best of Show, Lake Country Pastel Society 2012 Exhibition.
SELECTED JURIED EXHIBITIONS OR INVITATIONALS:
*Tettegouche State Park and Duluth Aquarium 2023-24 "We are Water" two-person exhibits.
*Larson Gallery 2022 "We Are Water" two-person exhibit.
*Bonnie & Friends, Burnsville Performing Arts - 2018 and 2013.
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS:
*MN Veterans Facility, Montevideo, MN.
*A Plus Hospice, Reno, NV
*Hudson Hospital, WI
*Polinski Rehabilitation Center, MN
*St. Mary's Hospital, MN
*Samaritan Bethany Home, MN
GALLERIES:
*Ghost Ship Gallery, Washburne, WI.
*Golden Rooster Gallery, Dawson, MN.
ART EDUCATION:
*Workshops, classes, and mentoring studies 2001 to present with Joe Paquet (2009 to present); Art Academy (2011 to present); and nationally known instructors: Kathleen Dunphy, Kami Mendlik, Albert Handell, Sally Strand, Fred Somers.
*Rogue Begonia - Art Goal Setting symposium 2020-23 and 2024-25.
*Plein Aire Conventions 2019 through 2025.
*Frequently attend various drawing cooperatives within the Twin Cities.
*International Association of Pastel Societies Biennial Conventions. 1997 - 2013.
*The Artistic Development Program - Banfill Locke Center for the Arts - 1995 - 1997.
CURATING/JUDGING EXPERIENCE:
*Judge and Commentator - Vasaloppet Art Show for Kannabec County Art Association - '18.
*Juror - Artist's del Norte '17 Exhibit.
*Curator for art procurement at Office of Administrative Hearing, State of Minnesota. Create prospectus, select finalists, purchase
eighty works of art including commissioned artworks, prints, photographs, and reproductions. Direct installation and catalog.
*Exhibition Chair, Juror, and Judge - AZ Gallery ’09 - '09 Animal Lovers Open Exhibit.
*Exhibition Co-Chair and Juror – AZ Gallery - ’09 Savoring Summer exhibit.
*Exhibition Chair and Juror - AZ Gallery - '08 Portrait of America Nat’l Exhibit.
*Exhibition Chair and Juror, and Judge - AZ Gallery - '08 Gifts of Love Exhibit.
RESIDENCIES, GRANTS, PUBLICITY, and TELEVISION FEATURE:
*Project Space Grant through Kolman Reeb Gallery culminating in solo exhibition 2023-24.
*Awarded two-week residency at Cornucopia Art Center, Lanesboro, MN - 2007. Paint plein air landscapes
and teach at elementary school.
*Featured MPR Art Hounds article. March 2024.
*Featured artist on MN Original, 2011. See: https://video.tpt.org/video/Cheryl-LeClair-Sommer-577489H-2/
*Oct. 20, 2011, the Star Tribune, stated "Pastel painter Cheryl LeClair-Sommer beautifully captures Minnesota's many seasons with this often overlooked medium."
SELECTED AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS:
*Award of Merit, 2025 MAA spring exhibit at Phipps Center.
*Best of Show, Black Hills Plein Air, Hill City, S.D. 2024
*Best of Show, Prairie Lakes Plein Air, Battle Lake, MN 2024
*Merit Award Red Wing Plein Air 2024
*Merit Award - MN Artists Association 2023
*Hill City Plein Air - 2023 Honorable Mention
*Prairie Lakes Plein Air - Best of Show 2023
*Red Wing Plein Air 2023 - Best Depiction of Red Wing
*Hill City Plein Air 2022 - People's Choice
*Red Wing Arts Autumnal Invitational - 2020.
*Red Wing Arts Plein Air Exhibition - 2020 and 2021 - juried participant.
*2021 - Arts North, International Juried Exhibition, Hopkins, first place pastels.
*2020 - Arts North, International Juried Exhibition, Hopkins, second place Oil Paintings.
*Master Circle, awarded by International Association of Pastel Societies, June 2013.
*Best of Show, Lake Country Pastel Society 2012 Exhibition.
SELECTED JURIED EXHIBITIONS OR INVITATIONALS:
*Tettegouche State Park and Duluth Aquarium 2023-24 "We are Water" two-person exhibits.
*Larson Gallery 2022 "We Are Water" two-person exhibit.
*Bonnie & Friends, Burnsville Performing Arts - 2018 and 2013.
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS:
*MN Veterans Facility, Montevideo, MN.
*A Plus Hospice, Reno, NV
*Hudson Hospital, WI
*Polinski Rehabilitation Center, MN
*St. Mary's Hospital, MN
*Samaritan Bethany Home, MN
GALLERIES:
*Ghost Ship Gallery, Washburne, WI.
*Golden Rooster Gallery, Dawson, MN.
STILL LIFES, FLORALS and ANIMALS
Orienpet Lilies
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
11" x 14"
Available ‐ $475.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
11" x 14"
Available ‐ $475.00
The Color White
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
8" x 12"
Available ‐ $350.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
8" x 12"
Available ‐ $350.00
Past Their Prime
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
12.5" x 10.5"
Available ‐ $450.00
Oil ‐ Linen on Panel
12.5" x 10.5"
Available ‐ $450.00