Leslie Vasquez, Artist

Leslie Vasquez brings the magic with her. Children become animated and go into play mode after being painted while parents are so in awe of her talent that they have their faces painted as well. Even wiggly children sit still for her. Leslie is so good at it, she is often told she's the "best face painter" they've ever seen and "even better than at Disneyland" and for a fraction of the cost.

When she arrives in character, as a living statue or living fountain, guests are captivated and instantly find conversation starters for mingling thus she brings the party to an exciting level, an animated level and guests feel they are part of something special. "She IS the party," said one client. "She is constantly re-inventing herself so I am inspired every time I see her."

When she begins a story, talk or live performance, audiences are mesmerized. With her Caricature Artwork, Leslie entertains your guests while they pose for their cartoon portrait.

Even her Fine Art has been known to bring people to tears of joy when they see their beloved pet immortalized in a work of art. She can also paint your home (mural or on canvas) and she occasionally paints a scene from a family vacation on canvas or a mountain landscape or seascape on commission. She believes artwork should communicate, transcend and express emotions and sometimes bring profound thoughts to those looking at it.

She has been called "Queen of the Mountains" and "River Goddess" and both her fine art and performance art have been chosen for juried art shows.

Leslie Vasquez brings the festive spirit to celebrations for all ages.

Most people initially seek Leslie out because of her fabulous face painting skills and friendly personality with children but they soon discover teens and adults love her talents with "movie makeup" and bling, not to mention her performances leave a crowd awestruck.

At birthday parties, it's usually her face painting skills they want because she adds depth and details with a friendly smile but sometimes she's hired to arrive as a princess or pirate or statue acting out the characters for an additional fee. Leslie Vasquez can provide the activity for the party as well by either storytelling, leading the children in an art project or performance.

Obviously face painting cannot be done virtually but Leslie can teach virtually and perform.

She's a public Speaker, a Professional Storyteller, a Writer, and an educator. Leslie offers corporate creativity, team building and problem solving art courses for corporate retreats, picnics, events, or on site. Her living fountain is perfect for corporate events and trade shows when you want a big impact that won't be forgotten.

A non-smoker, Leslie uses only FDA approved cosmetic face paint. She will travel to SF, Reno, Stockton, Sacramento, Lodi, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and beyond.

Whether performing, teaching, or painting she's more than just a "face painter," she's an Artist and her work is profound.

Although she has been hired to paint on canvas in front of an audience, she typically paints the fine art in her private studio or in the great outdoors. Her landscapes have been praised for "taking you there" and her pet portraits for "capturing the essence of the animal's personality, especially the eyes." Whether with oil, watercolor, or acrylic she can paint murals, theaters, or canvas. Her fine art has won awards and has been selected for juried shows. She was named the Patron of the Arts 2014 for Amador County and KVIE selected one of her pieces for their annual Art Auction Fundraiser 2015.

After seeing her work you won't believe her backstory so be sure to look for it on her website (her name .com) or she's also on gmail, FaceBook, Etsy, Youtube and other sites under her name, Leslie Vasquez. There are also more photos and video clips of her performances upon request.

Commissions for Fine Art - Leslie prefers to meet the pet in person but can work from photos and descriptions.

To commission Leslie to paint a portrait, pet portrait, wildlife, landscape, mural, theatre set or other, simply contact the artist to check availability and to discuss the details of the project. More details on her website (which is her name plus .com).

Gift Certificates are available to so consider giving a face paint party to someone special ... or a performance, or a painting. Give Leslie Vasquez a call.

For face painting she brings everything she needs.

Tips when hiring a face painter. If you're on a budget, you may think, "I'll get the cheapest painter out there" but consider this ... only hire someone using FDA-approved cosmetic paints that say they are meant for the face. Why? Because those paints have been tested and checked for safe use on the skin around the sensitive areas of the eye socket, nose (breathing) and mouth, unlike the cheap $2 stuff you get at Walmart and craft stores that have Fermaldehyde in them and often burn the skin especially of young children. Leslie has had fathers tell her they like her paints 'cuz they don't burn their skin (grown men) like stuff they bought for their kids to use on them. The skin is the largest organ of the body ... treat it well.

You also the person you hire to only use cosmetic glitter which is made from polyester so safe for eyes, nose, and mouth. The craft glitter is not cosmetic and contains both bacteria and often has shards of glass in it which can cut the cornea. Which brings me to my third suggestion ... hire someone with insurance.

As you've probably guessed, Leslie uses only FDA-approved cosmetic paints and cosmetic glitter and is insured.

There are other considerations too like how are they with children, are they non-smokers (important when working in such close proximity with faces), can they paint fast when a huge crowd suddenly appears, and are they flexible when you need them to change plans or move their booth?

So hire professionals ... they cost more because the products they use cost more (a lot more) and because they are educated for safety and because they give you a superior quality of talent. It's worth it.

Live performances - needs vary depending on event but again, hire professionals who have the experience to know what works and what doesn't and who know how to leave a lasting impression that is one of "Wow" and wonder rather than a train wreck.

The Living Fountain is performed with water trickling down her river-rock bodice and pouring out of her fingertips as she dances and moves to music ... she IS the river. To achieve this she must bring her assistants to help her into her costume and once she is in costume, her finger dexterity is limited, and once she is wet, she needs someone to work the electrical switches.