William Leidenthal

William Leidenthal is a contemporary painter whose conceptual landscapes explore the physical forces, natural phenomena, and ecological systems that shape our planet. Raised in Palo Alto, California, Leidenthal developed an early passion for art, creating music posters for San Francisco rock venues in the 1960s before embarking on a sailing journey through the South Pacific that broadened his perspective on the natural world.

Leidenthal earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Hawaii in 1984 and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from East Carolina University in 1987. Following years of artistic exploration and professional experience, he established his studio in Sausalito, California, where he continues to develop his distinctive visual language.

Working primarily with paint and drawing, Leidenthal creates abstract compositions inspired by geology, biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. His work investigates the relationship between objective and subjective reality, envisioning the world before human existence while contemplating its ecological future. Through layered forms, intricate patterns, and evolving visual structures, his paintings suggest the interconnected processes that sustain life on Earth.

Leidenthal has exhibited his paintings, drawings, and etchings throughout the United States since 1979. His exhibition history includes presentations at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Long Beach Museum of Art, and the Honolulu Academy of Arts, among numerous other galleries and institutions.

Through his experimental approach to painting, Leidenthal invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the planet, exploring the timeless connections between Earth’s past, present, and future.

“My artworks are experiments in ways of seeing the timelessness of Now.”

We have access to more of Adolfo’s work. If you are looking for a specific size send us an email and we will show you pieces that may be more aligned with what you’re looking for. We would also be happy to make a virtual installation of his art on your wall. Send us an email for more details art@gallerysausalito.com

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Natural Phenomena 102

$5,700.00 Add to cart

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Persistence of Life 1 Lands End

If you have ever hiked Marin County California this painting might look familiar. Similar views can be found throughout the area.

Oil and charcoal on canvas mounted on cradled wood panel

48" x 56"

$6,300.00 Add to cart

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Persistence of Life 8 Pale Sun

William's work often gives a feeling of calm to the viewer, and this painting is no exception.

Oil and charcoal on canvas mounted on cradled wood panel.

40" x 48"

$5,700.00 Add to cart

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World History III Small Forest

Size: 5" x 27" x 1"
Medium: mixed media on canvas and mounted on wood panel

William creates his images as unplanned exploration, without preconceived form. The challenge to is make paintings of a world where ‘form is emptiness’ and ‘emptiness is form’, and to demonstrate that actuality in visual metaphors. "I make paintings about the distance between Objective Reality and Subjective Reality."

$975.00 Add to cart