Leila Mancini (b. 1980 Oakland, CA)

A story about me

I grew up in a musical family, by the beach, in SoCal and lived on horse farms in Oregon and Texas. Picture ponies, pianos and sunsets.

Shortly after “growing up” I had four babies, each one year apart. I felt fulfilled raising the kids, but time makes you bolder and even children get older. I needed something really magical to satisfy me.

I tried making salad dressings, I tried selling real estate, I tried interior design and I tried tequila— but nothing satisfies like making art.

My invitation into the world of oil painting was absolutely kismet. Now I have an art practice that is rich and colorful and puts me at ease. It gives me so many gifts and surprises and good feelings.

Painting FOUND me. I found me. Heck! You even found me! I’m so happy you did.