Realism, reverence, and the beauty of restraint
There is something grounding about Molly Leech’s work.
It does not rely on spectacle or excess. It is steady. Intentional. Focused.
The kind of art that draws you in quietly rather than demanding attention.
Her paintings invite you to slow your pace and look a little longer. To notice the subtle shifts in light and shadow. To meet the gaze of a subject and linger there. In a world that often feels hurried and loud, Molly’s realism offers something calm and enduring.
Molly describes her style simply as realism with a limited palette. Working primarily in oil and pastel, she creates pieces that feel thoughtful and refined, built on careful observation and quiet discipline.
Her connection to the Lowcountry is woven into both her life and her work. Molly’s father retired from the Air Force in the area in 1974. After joining the military herself and spending fourteen years away, she returned to Summerville in 1999. The landscape that once held family memories became home again, and eventually, the backdrop to her artistic journey.
A Legacy Passed Down
Molly began sketching people in high school, but art did not become her primary focus until her retirement in 2022.
The seed was planted much earlier.
When her family moved to Charleston, her grandfather came to visit. It was then she discovered he was an artist.
“I was in awe of what he could do with a pencil,” she recalls. “I thought that would be something worth dedicating my time toward.”
That quiet moment of admiration stayed with her. Years later, with the gift of time and space, she finally leaned fully into the craft.
Though self-taught, Molly has continued to refine her skills through workshops and careful study of artists she admires, including Mark Carder, Michelle Held, and Paul Foxton. Her growth has been intentional and steady, much like the paintings themselves.
Eyes That Tell a Story
Molly is drawn to faces.
She loves painting animals and anything with expression.
“Eyes are my favorite,” she says.
There is something sacred about that exchange between subject and viewer. Whether she is painting one of her grandsons, a beloved pet, or a Lowcountry alligator, she is seeking presence. Personality. Truth.
Her grandsons are a constant source of inspiration. Landscapes are becoming increasingly important in her work as well, especially because everything she loves seems to love being outside.
Her favorite Lowcountry subject to paint is the alligator.
In her hands, even a creature often seen as intimidating becomes something contemplative. Textures emerge. Light softens. Strength is rendered with dignity rather than drama.
Discipline and Devotion
Molly prefers to work without music. She enjoys hearing the subtle sounds of nature while she paints. The quiet suits her process.
Her mornings begin early. Rising before the day fully unfolds allows her to tend to responsibilities and still spend long, uninterrupted hours in the studio. A well-kept calendar helps her balance creativity with the rhythms of daily life.
Art fills most of her days now, though she does not consider it a job.
It is simply what she does.
A piece is finished, she says, when there is nothing left she can do to improve it. That standard speaks to her patience and commitment to craftsmanship.
Freedom Within Restraint
When creative blocks arise, Molly shifts her approach.
She may move from oil to pastel. Try a new surface. Or allow herself to create without a detailed plan.
Because most of her paintings begin with a carefully constructed sketch, spontaneity can feel liberating. Letting go of precision for a moment allows creativity to breathe.
Her advice to emerging artists is both humble and wise.
“Paint often and don’t judge yourself too harshly. Some of my quickest selling pieces were not my favorites.”
There is comfort in that truth. What resonates with others may not always be what we expect.
Art for the Home
Molly loves painting large, but most of her current works are 8 x 10 or 11 x 14. Her pricing is consistent and based on square inch calculations plus framing and matting.
In addition to original wall art, she offers a limited number of prints and smaller pieces that make thoughtful gifts.
She has also recently fallen in love with painting on glass and has begun teaching workshops. Her vision includes a “Glass of the Month,” featuring not only drinking glasses but also vases and serving dishes. These functional pieces bring her artistry into everyday moments around the table and in the home.
Her work feels especially at home in spaces that appreciate craftsmanship and quiet strength. Homes where beauty does not need to shout to be noticed. Where art becomes part of daily life rather than a performance.
Simply Happiness
When asked what she hopes her art evokes, Molly answers with simplicity.
“I would like people to just be happy.”
That hope is woven into every brushstroke. Not grand statements. Not noise. Just happiness.
Her paintings offer something steady in uncertain times. A calm presence on the wall. A reminder that beauty can be found in careful attention and that even the strongest creatures carry softness in their eyes.
Molly Leech’s work is available at Art on the Square Gallery in downtown Summerville. We invite you to experience her oil and pastel paintings in person and discover the quiet power of art that draws you in gently and holds your attention with grace.