David McLeod attended Vanderbilt University (magna cum laude), where he finished with a Bachelors of
Science in Engineering and a Bachelors of Arts in Studio Art. In the summer before starting his studies, he began a four-year-long
apprenticeship with artist Michael Shane Neal that ran his entire college term. These countless hours formed a foundation firmly set in
the appreciation of the past and the tireless pursuit of excellence.
In only a few years as a professional artist, McLeod has already garnered attention for his fresh brushwork and sensitivity to human emotion.
He was included in Southwest Art Magazine’s 21 Under 31: Emerging Artists feature article and has received multiple awards from the Portrait
Society of America.
McLeod strives with each painting to find the convergence of excellence, accessibility, and provocation. It is, he believes, the best way
to not only say something but also be heard. He is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, and Portrait Society of America.
Selected Awards:
2012
Art Renewal Center 2011/12 Salon Finalist: "Refraction"
Oil Painters of America 2012 Eastern Regional Award of Excellence:"Human"
2011
Portrait Society of America's Annual Member's only competition: "Snow Blanket"
American Impressionist Society's Annual Exhibition:"Reticence"
2010
Nashville Scene "Best Visual Artist"
Southwest Art Magazine's "21 Under 31" feature:"Reticence"
2009
Portrait Society of America's Annual Member's only competition, 2nd place: "Blair"