Leah Potts
Studio 114
I’m Leah Potts, an artist whose journey in watercolor painting is as much about craft and media as it is about heart and soul. I've found healing and strength through each brushstroke. My work explores more than just vibrant animal portraits it tells a heartfelt story of perseverance, love, and rediscovery; one that I hope will resonate deeply with you.
Years ago, life threw me a curveball that could have ended everything. Fresh out of Central Missouri State University with a fine arts degree in hand, my dreams were suddenly sidelined by a devastating skiing accident that left me paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors didn’t offer much hope, but I knew deep inside that this wasn’t how my story would end.
Adapting to my new reality wasn't easy—far from it. Yet, amid countless challenges, my artistic spirit refused to be silenced. After 20 long years without touching a brush, the void within me became impossible to ignore. That’s when I made the life-changing decision to pick up where I had paused, teaching myself to paint all over again with my non-dominant left hand.
To my astonishment and joy, the same expressive line that I had witnessed with my right all those years before slowly began to re-emerge. Each brushstroke felt like breathing life back into both my art and my soul.
Today, my watercolor paintings blend life like realism with a touch of impressionistic freedom, celebrating the spirit and character of animals in ways that reflect both their nature and mine. Launching my pet portrait business and selling original watercolor paintings, cards, and prints has not only been a professional triumph but is also an avenue through which I share my passion for wildlife.
When not nestled in my studio, I can often be found outdoors, relishing adventures with my rescue dog, Evie, as we ski, bike, and embrace the sheer joy of living unfettered by barriers that once seemed impossible. Our experiences echo my desire to live a full life, creating unique opportunities, building community, while embracing my friends and family. I believe life is worth living even in the struggle.
Thank you for sharing this incredible adventure with me. Your support means the world, and I’m thrilled to continue creating and connecting with you. Please follow me on social media to continue sharing in my journey.
Artist Statement
After a debilitating skiing accident that left me paralyzed I find adventure in my paintings and the creative process. In a world where my body lets me down I can escape the madness go into the wilderness and connect with nature. Art saves lives, painting wildlife fills my soul helping me move through a disability creating positive solutions. The pure elegance of nature’s palette, textures and wildlife has become a constant source of inspiration for my watercolor paintings. Learning to paint with my non dominant hand challenges me but also frees my brush strokes giving me a blend of realism and impressionistic style enabling me to capture the spirit of the animal. My art begins with a simple idea and grows from there. In my paintings I hope you can see but more importantly feel the essence of the animal through their eyes. With each stroke of the brush the animals comes alive and I am set free. The spirit of the animal fills my heart and inspires me through the tuff times, pushing me through the struggle. When painting I’m not alone, I have a purpose, I’m needed. I’m new to the art world as I’ve only been painting for the last 5 years; grateful for the support of this community, I’m eager to see where my artistic journey takes me, as I explore new mediums, different techniques and new subjects. I ponder, I hope and I pray, not afraid to put myself on display; me, my art, wild but free.
