Biography

Leeanna Chipana began her art studies at the Stevenson Academy of Fine Arts in Oyster Bay, NY in 2004. She studied under Director and internationally collected illustrator Attila Hejja while working as his assistant. Mr. Hejja himself studied with Harold Stevenson, a direct apprentice to Norman Rockwell. Having a deep love and admiration of the great illustrators of the Golden Age Ms. Chipana appreciates her artistic lineage to Rockwell. After Attila Hejja passed away suddenly, Leeanna left the academy and dedicated her life to pursuing art and art education full-time. She started by attending the New York Art Students League where she studied figurative painting with artist Nelson Shanks. Here she focused on gesture drawing and painting for over two years and also won a student scholarship to study with Nelson at Studio Incamminati in Phildalphia. Seeking more rigorous and formal academic training Leeanna began her studies with Robert Armetta of the Long Island Academy of Fine Art in the Atelier Armetta program.

In 2008, under direction of Mr. Armetta, Ms. Chipana started Long Islands first classical art program for children (LIAFA Young Artist Program) ages 9 through 17. This program was designed to offer students the opportunity to receive classical training normally only reserved for adults while preparing them with college portfolio building skills. In addition, Leeanna teaches a very comprehensive adult fundamentals program and advanced drawing courses to high school students at The Long Island High School of the Arts in Syosset, NY.

Awards/Exhibits

April 2011 - "Trained Eye" Faculty Exhibit at ART(that matters) Gallery in Oyster Bay, NY.
January 2011 - Junior Member Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in Manhattan, NY.
2009 - Studio Incamminati Student Scholarship
2008 - New York Art Students League Student Exhibition
2007 - Stevenson Academy of Fine Art Student Exhibition