Leslie B. Wynne

Leslie Bernard Wynne, Jr., well-known American landscape artist, died at his home in Sierra Madre, California, on November 15 at the age of 89. Wynne was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 13, 1920 and moved to California with his family in 1925. He was a resident of Sierra Madre since 1927. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Leslie B. Wynne, Sr. and Catherine Basso Wynne, and brother Thomas A. Wynne, M.D. Wynne studied art at the Pasadena Art Institute and with such recognized artist-instructors as James Chapin, Ejnar Hansen, S. McDonald Wright and Norman Rockwell. He worked for many years as an illustrator and draftsman, all the while submitting paintings to important art shows and winning numerous prizes, until he was able to devote his time entirely to painting. Recognized for his superior artistic talent since the age of 14, by age 30 Wynne was listed in Who's Who in American Art. His many achievements include the Ventura Forum of Arts First Award; Bryan Waller Award at the Long Beach Museum of Art; Home Saving and Loan Purchase Prize at the Los Angeles All-City Outdoor Festival; Artists of the Southwest Award; Hoosier Salon Prize of Distinction in Indiana; and participation in a traveling exhibit in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Outstanding among 20th Century landscapists, Wynne was best known for bringing to life the terrain of California's deserts, mountain, meadows, rolling hills and coastal beauty. He spent many years painting and photographing the many faces of California's beauty. His style was one of realism, which he accomplished using great detail, brilliant light and strongly contrasting shadows. His magnificent portrayals of the California desert, in particular, have become collectors' items. He served in the United States Army during World War II, spending three years in the Pacific Theater. Wynne is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lorena Gouaux Wynne, two sons Leslie B. Wynne III, M.D. and Leonard Neil Wynne, three daughters Mary Forney, Leontine Bajer and Laura Forney, and six grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Sierra Madre Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM immediately followed by interment at Sierra Madre Pioneer Cemetery.