LESLIE BRIDGMAN CIMEI

Painting is my passion. I love the process of drawing, creating form, shape, pushing lights and shades, creating passages that pull the viewer in... building a painting. I am often asked which medium I like to paint the most. My answer? I honestly don't have a favorite. I actually prefer to rotate using mediums as each has their own way of speaking. I learn each and every time I use them.​

I realized I needed to express myself artistically while growing-up in New York City at The Chapin School. I continued my studies at The University of Delaware and studied with the noted Illustrators Jerry Pickney and Charles Rowe.

My great grandfather on my father’s side, George Brandt Bridgman taught anatomy and figure drawing at the Arts Students League in New York. I have great admiration for his work and skill. I refer to his published books all the time in my own drawing. My great uncles on my mother’s side, Richard and Martin Pietzsch, were also both professional painters.

I have exhibited at The Quogue Historical Society Group Art Show in Quogue, LI, The National Academy Juried Show, Featured Artist of the Month at my Alma Mater The Chapin School and the Mary O'Fritchie Westhampton Group Art Show.

While working full time, I studied at several New York Institutions: The Art Students League, The National Academy of Design, The School  of Visual Arts and The New School. I also had the pleasure of studying with world-renown portrait painter Daniel Greene.

I have been published in American Artist Magazine, digiatally designed and illustrated several brochure covers and was a finalist in the US. Postal Love Stamp Competition.I am gratefully in numerous personal collections in New York City, Long Island and ever growing in Westfield, NJ.

After ten years as the Associate Director of Portraits, Inc. in New York City, I was married on June 4th, 2005 to Curt Cimei. We have two sons. I am currently painting and raising our boys full time.