Philosophy
A Christian artist, Wenona sees her painting as an act of worship—a way to reflect and celebrate God’s character through the beauty of His creation. Her goal is to invite viewers into deep peace and joy by capturing light, color, texture, movement and emotion in ways that point beyond the canvas to the Creator. Just as Michelangelo viewed art and faith as deeply interwoven (seeing the human form and the wonders of the world as expressions of divine glory), Wenona paints landscapes, wildlife, vineyards, beaches, and majestic animals as testimonies of God’s goodness, strength, hope, and grace.Her contemporary impressionist style—with its emphasis on luminous light, layered textures, and emotional resonance—serves this purpose especially well.
A glowing sunset over deer, the powerful presence of lions in “The King Roars,” the serene movement of horses in a triptych, or the quiet majesty of Yosemite or a forest scene are not merely scenic; they become invitations to pause, breathe, reflect and remember the One who made it all.This faith-informed approach aligns with her background: early mentorship, influence from Carlos De Leon Campos, her father-in-law’s realist mastery, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world shaped in California’s Napa Valley and five years in Guatemala. Her work consistently aims to uplift and restore, offering collectors and viewers a visual reminder of beauty, order, peace and divine care in a sometimes chaotic world.
About Artist
Wenona Colette Wenneker De Leon creates fine art as a Contemporary Impressionist painter. She works primarily in oil on canvas, emphasizing light, rich layers, textures, movement, and emotional depth. Her pieces often evoke strong visceral responses and aim to uplift viewers—encouraging focus on strength, beauty, goodness, hope, and grace. As a Christian artist, she views her work as a way to make the world more beautiful and inspiring.
Her official site for fine art is wdlfineart.com, where she lists and sells original paintings directly. wdlfineart.com
Artistic Background
Raised in California’s Napa Valley, Wenona showed early talent (requesting oil paints as a young child and painting murals for schools, churches, and theater). At 14, she received four years of mentorship from Cubist artist Freemont Gadberry, who offered her a scholarship to Berkeley. She earned a degree in applied business and marketing from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (1989).
In 1991, she married Dr. Jeffrey De Leon and lived in Guatemala, where her father-in-law—master of color and numerous techniques, renowned realist painter Carlos De Leon Campos (whose collectors include ambassadors and presidents, museums and international corporations) —greatly influenced her. She exhibited and sold work at Galería de Arte De Leon Campos and other Central American galleries. Back in the U.S. (now based in Florida), she continues painting and offers private lessons. She and her husband run a selective foundation supporting global student opportunities. wdlfineart.com
Key influence:
• Carlos De Leon Campos — realism and color expertise
Common Themes
Her fine art features:
• Landscapes and nature scenes (vineyards, forests, national parks, beaches, sunsets)
• Wildlife and animals (horses, deer, lions, herons, squirrels, lambs, dogs)
• Rural or historical subjects (cabins, old houses, Mayan themes, local history)
• Occasional figures or imaginative elements (e.g., garden scenes, Narnia-inspired)
Selected Fine Art Pieces (Oil on Canvas)
Prices typically range from ~$850 (small works) to $20,0000+ (larger or more complex pieces). Many are 24’‘×36’’ or 36’‘×24’’.
Examples from her site include:
• Yosemite — 14’‘×11’’, $850
• Horses On The Town — 36’‘×24’’, $7,500
• Deer Sunset — 24’‘×36’’, $7,500
• The King Roars (lions) — 36’‘×24’’, $7,500
• Light In The Forest — 36’‘×24’’, $8,500
• California Vineyard / Malta Vineyard / Windmill Winery / Black Walnut In California Wine Country — various 36’‘×24’’, around $7,500
• Montana Highland Horses (triptych series) — 36’‘×24’’ each, $20,000 for the set
• Frolicking On The Beach — Calm after the Storm 24’‘×18’’, $5,000 each
• Heron On Lake Hollingsworth — 36’‘×18’’, $4,500
• Lamp Post In Narnia — 36’‘×24’’, $8,900
• Lions — 30’‘×48’’, $8,000
• Squirrel — 18’‘×24’’, $3,500
• Mayan Farmer — 32’‘×24’’, $1,000 (more accessible piece)
Other titles include Hot Air Balloon, Cabin In Woods, The Old House, Hunting Dogs, Lamb, Girl In The Garden, and Tampa History. wdlfineart.com
Viewing and Purchasing
Visit https://www.wdlfineart.com/ for the full gallery, high-resolution images, and current availability (the site focuses on originals; check for updates as inventory can change). Contact her directly via the site (email: Wenona@wdlfineart.com) or the Florida address listed for inquiries, commissions, or private viewings. She occasionally offers smaller or more affordable works alongside larger statement pieces.
Her style blends vibrant, light-filled Impressionism with textured emotional resonance—perfect for collectors seeking uplifting, nature-inspired fine art.