One of the greatest pleasures of Chuck Redux’s job is working with the artists represented by the Chuck Jones Gallery. Today was no exception when portraitist Casey Leonard stopped by with two new works she’d just completed. She kindly signed them before they were whisked away by the registrar. She’s currently working on portraits — in charcoal — of the main characters from “The Wizard of Oz” (you do know it turns 75 this year, don’t you?)

Casey’s been an artist all her life; growing up in the northern California foothills, she was recognized as an aspiring talent, urged by her mentors, family, and friends to pursue portraiture as a profession.

But Casey heard the siren call of the theater and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in theater arts–which is still a passion. But the art fire burns bright and when a friend of hers, mentioned not too long ago in this very blog, Jimmy Mulligan, introduced her to us, we were delighted and intrigued by her work.

It won’t surprise you to know that Casey’s a big fan of The Beatles and Dr. Who. Here she is with the love of her life, Broadway star and co-creator of “Rain”, Steve Landes, who plays John Lennon in the aforementioned play. If it’s ever playing in your community, be sure to go and see it!

In the meantime, look for the work of Casey Leonard, coming soon to a Chuck Jones Gallery near you.