Biography

My name is Anna Maria (Wheat) Leitzel and I am an self taught oil painter and artist. I come from a line of female artists in my family.

I found oil painting later in life. I grew up in Colorado and attended University of Colorado for undergraduate, and was always drawn to math-related studies and work. After graduating with my Master’s Degree from Brown University, I worked for a decade as a researcher doing statistics and epidemiology for health and human services related organizations. Regardless of my schooling or careers, one thing that has always been a constant in my life is my innate need to express myself creatively.

During the coronavirus pandemic I decided to stop working and be a full time mom for my two-year-old and new-born (at the time). During this time, I felt that going from being a career driven person spending my days analyzing research questions to becoming a full time caregiver and spending my days (and nights) changing diapers, I was forced to let go of my ego and redefine what being successful in my life meant to me. At this time, my creative dive became unignorably strong and also became my outlet.

When I started painting, it felt like coming home, and I have felt guided to as an artist ever since. Writing with the language of color is one of the great joys of my life, and I continue to learn this language as I continue to grow as a painter. So, I hope you enjoy my gallery and the art I have created from my heart. I have been working on the collection I am preparing to post for many years. I have many many many more paintings just waiting to dry (oil paintings take 6 months to dry)!

Come see my debut show! Details coming soon…

Follow me on Instagram @anna.maria_oil.painter

50% of all profits from my work will be donated to organizations that help to ensure child welfare, animal welfare, and environmental welfare.