LeRoy Jensen







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LeRoy Jensen (1927-2005) moved to Salt Spring Island with his family in 1982. A figurative painter who excelled at capturing the essence of the spirit of the human female form, he was a member of the important Limners Group of Victoria, British Colombia. 

He first exhibited in 1947 and continued to do so during his long career, all the while kindling the careers of countless art students who studied with him. For this exhibit, charcoal and mixed media drawings as well as rich pastels of the figure will prevail, as this is a medium that the artist mastered. Jensen embued a sep capacity for empathy and compassion in his life and work, and he said.

 “I hope my work shows something because I have put all I am into it,” he said. “I cannot say more.”

A rare early woodcut will be on show as well as a small group of paintings on canvas. During his rich artistic and social life on the island, LeRoy continued to be a valuable mentor to other artists, as a friend and artist and teacher. We are honoured to be able to collaborate with the family to choose works for this exhibit. 

For an excellent illustrated essay on the artists' life and work, you can purchase or borrow 'The Life and Art of Frank Molnar, Jack Hardman and LeRoy Jensen' through your local library, bookseller or online. Published by Mother Tongue publishing on Salt Spring Island, this book is part of the Unheralded Artists of BC Series.