Originally from New Jersey, Leigh was classically trained in the Hudson River School tradition, painting landscapes in oils outdoors on location ("plein air"). Upon moving to Taos in 1990, Leigh found that her canvases were becoming more colorful and vibrant as the New Mexican landscape seeped into her palette and soul. "For me, the experience of painting outdoors is wild, exciting, mysterious, joyful, peaceful, sensual, meditative, even religious, complete with prayer", writes Gusterson in her artist statement. Her success continues to grow, as her painting life deepens, and attracts the widespread appreciation of collectors nationally and abroad. She has been the recipient of numerous awards; her latest honor: having had one of her images chosen for the 2003 Taos Fall Arts Festival poster, and having a painting receive "Best of Show" at that exhibition.

"Leigh Gusterson, 40, manages to make a living as an artist while supporting two daughters in Taos, New Mexico. The feat is not only a testimony of her talent, it represents years of hard work and dedication .... her expressionistic compositions display a sense of movement, as if the wind were blowing through them, yet the subjects—cozy cottages, pick-up trucks and grazing horses— convey quiet and repose."

—Carol Mell, Albuquerque Journal North, Sept. 17, 2003