David Leffel

A virtuoso of light and composition, David A. Leffel has all of the components of a true master. His chiaroscuro effects sculpt light from inside his canvasses with such skill that one immediately feels the sense that he is one of history's great painters. His paintings reflect a quiet elegance with a passion for light, texture and color. Leffel has been acclaimed as a "20th Century Old Master". The influence of 17th Century Dutch Masters (particularly Rembrandt) on his work is evidenced with every stroke of his brush.

Leffel was born in Brooklyn New York in 1931 and was raised with a strong Russian Jewish heritage. He was separated from his family at age four for eleven years as the result of contracting osteomyelitis, a crippling disease which affects the bone and marrow. While recovering in the hospital, David began to draw. He states, "...it gave me something to do..." His drafting skills later proved to be unquestionably exceptional. Upon graduating from high school, David enrolled in Parson's School of Design in New York where he studied advertising and design as well as abstract art (the contemporary style at the time.) It was later when he enrolled in the Art Students League in New York where his distinctive style developed. It was also there that David met one of his mentors, Frank Mason.

Mason taught the techniques needed to portray light and shadow which empowered Leffel with a true understanding of light. David Leffel has been honored by some of the nation's most well respected organizations including Allied Artists of America, The National Academy of Design and The National Academy of Western Art - to name only a few. He is represented in public and private galleries and collections across the United States, including Princeton University. David returned to the Art Students League in 1972 and taught for 20 years. His willingness to share his mastery has earned him a reputation as a teacher who can communicate and teach extremely well. He teaches his students "how to see"; something he feels one must truly understand in order to be successful.