JAMES LEONARD      James Leonard has emerged as one of California's leading abstract expressionist painters. Leonard's emotionally charged landscapes often portray backdrops for figures dramatically suspended. Leonard grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and has always been drawn to the early expressionists of the 1930's and 40's. The German painter Gerhard Richter has had an influence on his style, approach and directness. Working with acrylics on canvas, James Leonard uses bold vertical and horizontal strokes and strong color to reach the viewer's emotions. "Art has always been the focus of my life," he says. "Just as our lives unfold in unique and beautiful ways, so do my paintings have their unique and individual expression." The work of James Leonard is exhibited in both Europe and the United States, including the San Diego Museum of Art. Numerous corporate collections feature his work: NASA, Motorola, Lifoka Greafische in Holland, and Sky Across Tokyo, Japan.